Chapter 47: Contradiction

"I know a little."

William rattled off: "Actually, the sponsorship agreements offered by the major companies are pretty much the same, roughly divided into four tiers. The first tier only provides various supplies, including armor, boots, weapons, and the like; the second tier is customized—of course, this isn't exclusive armor or exclusive boots, which are only for the big stars of NMOSA, but rather based on each company's existing products, optimized and modified by their labs according to individual circumstances; the third tier, in addition to customization, includes a large amount of promotional resources, turning them into sports stars. I've heard there are some additional investments beyond that, but I don't know the specifics. However, I do know that Angel from our school's baseball team, whom you've met before, also signed with the Nathan Group. He's always been a big spender, reported several times, but the supervisors sent by NHSAA never found any issues. Then there's the fourth tier, which is said to provide large quantities of cultivation potions and some specialties from the dark world to help you train. But this is only for those they particularly value, and it requires the sponsored person to achieve certain results—it's an incentive tied to performance."

Then he turned his head, looking at Li Mochen with a strange expression: "Are you serious, AH? Thinking about these things is way too early, isn't it?"

Li Mochen was too lazy to explain further: "Then what's going on here? I feel like these people are looking at us a bit off? Did something happen while I was away?"

When he boarded the bus, Li Mochen had already sensed a subtle rejection from the classmates around him.

It shouldn't be because of the 'sponsorship' he just mentioned. Although he had spoken freely to William, he had actually used a sound-binding technique, making it hard for anyone other than William to hear. Nor could it be because of Angela; aside from his inappropriate words in the morning, he hadn't done anything extra, so there was no reason for these people to put on such a united front against him.

"Keep your voice down!"

William Jacques also lowered his voice: "Isn't it about the sports scholarship? Coach Rikal submitted this academic year's sports scholarship list to the school today, but Georgia didn't approve it. The vice principal's idea is that now only five of you have entered the second round, and among the tenth graders, I, William, should have the most potential, so Coach Rikal's list isn't convincing. The Comprehensive Cold Weapon Combat Club must reserve two spots for us. I have to say, our vice principal really keeps his word. He's not even afraid of Miss Louise; didn't you see Coach Rikal's face turn green?"

Li Mochen now understood the situation. When he was at Shenxiao Sect, selected from the outer courtyard into the inner courtyard, his fellow disciples had the same expressions.

In short, he couldn't command the respect of the others.

Storm Gymnasium was also located in the southeastern district, close to Lynden Academy, less than a ten-minute drive. When the bus slowly stopped in front of the gymnasium, the students on board got up one after another and disembarked.

But just then, a guy with a braided head, as he approached Li Mochen, suddenly shouted at him without warning: "Hey, trash, I'm waiting to see you get chopped down by Wild Bear Bill, you know? He'll smash you flat."

A white student behind him even spat out the window with a 'pfft': "Dog shit who got in through the back door! Why don't you just die?"

"What right does he have to a scholarship? Just a lucky bastard!"

Li Mochen frowned and looked sideways. But before he could see clearly, someone shoved him hard from behind. He was fine, not even moving his feet, but William in front of him stumbled and nearly fell forward. It was only because Li Mochen forced his way over to steady him that the guy barely managed to keep his balance.

At that moment, the whole bus erupted in snickers.

Li Mochen didn't mind, nor did he get angry. He had indeed gotten in through the back door; these people weren't wrong.

And the best way to respond to doubts was to shut everyone up with actual results. That's what he had done in the Primordial Void Realm.

"Dog shit!"

After getting off the bus, William cursed: "The guy who pushed us was Locke. I've never offended him before. That bastard must be jealous, definitely!"

Li Mochen sighed softly, his tone apologetic: "This is my fault, William. I didn't think it through. I shouldn't have mentioned the sports scholarship to Georgia. This probably isn't a good thing for you."

For him, it was naturally nothing; he could prove his strength in time. But for William, it might bring unnecessary pressure that he might not be able to bear.

William, however, looked at him incredulously: "Hey, Amo! Have you got water in your head? This sports scholarship is applied for once per academic year. If someone else takes the spot, we have to wait until next year. Don't be stupid, Amo! I don't believe we won't be worthy of this scholarship a year from now. And as for that Locke, I'll settle accounts with him later. How dare he ambush us from behind? He's got some nerve!"

"Alright, I take back what I said."

Li Mochen laughed softly. It was best that William thought this way. Then he remembered something: "William, do you know who they mean by Wild Bear Bill?"

"Of course, your next opponent! He's a level five berserker, a hot favorite in this fighting tournament. So next week, you'll have to join me in the loser's bracket."

This time, William's face showed sympathy: "I suggest you surrender at the right time. They say his axe is very heavy. The armor provided by the event organizers can keep you from getting hurt, but the pain is unavoidable."

A strange glint flashed in Li Mochen's eyes. He tightened his grip on the sword bag slightly. Using a level five berserker to establish his authority seemed like a good choice.

Meanwhile, at the back of the crowd, a robust silver-haired old man was staring resentfully at the backs of Li Mochen and William.

"This isn't right, Louise! As the chairperson of the Comprehensive Cold Weapon Combat Club and the future heir of Lynden Academy, you should speak up for the club now! We absolutely cannot let Georgia act willfully."

The blonde girl beside him was Louise Lynden. She smiled bitterly: "But Coach Rikal, you have to admit that what Georgia said makes sense, doesn't it? Only five people from our school entered the second round, and Andre is one of them. And you know William Jacques's talent. If he follows the path we've set for him, he'll be at least a level 17 outlaw in the future."

"But that's not now!"

The silver-haired old man emphasized loudly: "That little William is indeed a born shadow, and he'll surely become the pillar of our club in the future, but he's not qualified yet! This academic year's scholarship shouldn't belong to him. As for Andre, he has innate demonic bones, which should be the top cultivation talent. But he chose the Phantom Star Meditation Method, and his base constellations are even the Little Bear and the North Pole—he's already ruined, isn't he? This kid is done for life; he might not even advance to outlaw. Can we really expect him to support our club? Louise, you should know. The students in our club aren't without the strength to advance to higher rounds; they've been targeted in the match schedule. This is our fault, and they shouldn't have to bear it."