Chapter 271: Professor Wu’s Courage

Rumors claimed the strongest bell-ringer of Bell Tower University – its principal – was a level seven extraordinary being. But such speculation came from ignorant outsiders, like small nations guessing nuclear stockpiles of superpowers. Those truly informed dismissed it as laughable. As Qiongzhou’s undisputed ruler, the bell tower principal stood as genuine peak powerhouse, a legendary high-ranking extraordinary being.

“The bell tower operates by rules.”

Professor Wu glanced at the pleading Teacher Luo, eyes colder than when viewing corpses.

Meeting that gaze, Teacher Luo shuddered as memories of the director’s terror resurfaced. Within bell tower hierarchy, the principal and two Vice Principals remained aloof from daily affairs – all management fell to Professor Wu.

This director was infamous for ruthless pragmatism. Bell tower interests outweighed all else; any damaging actions incurred punishment. Teacher Luo’s bribe-taking and exam manipulation had tarnished the institution’s reputation. Uncaught offenses might slide – many teachers did similar – but his rotten luck encountering wild Transcendents escalated things beyond containment.

Faced with choosing between institutional prestige and one teacher’s survival, Professor Wu’s decision became obvious.

Realization dawned on Teacher Luo, terror twisting his features as instinctive pleas spilled forth.

“Mercy…”

His words choked as transformation seized him. Black fur sprouted, hands shriveled, skull elongated. Final syllables distorted into canine yelps as the supervising teacher became black dog before stunned examinees.

“Woof! Woof!”

Candidates trembled at the display. This curse required mere eye contact yet dwarfed Teacher Luo’s power completely.

‘Another transformation technique, distinct from Dream Realm illusions. Genetic rewriting perhaps?’

Zuo Meng studied the curse’s activation, parsing its operational principles with limited success.

Library access remained essential – this represented wholly different power framework.

“Resume examinations.”

Professor Wu scanned remaining candidates and staff. His gaze lingered on Li Qingyi and Li Lingyue. As director, he tolerated underlings’ petty schemes through willful ignorance. But Zuo Meng’s public maiming of staff demanded response beyond disciplining one teacher.

Though dominant in Qiongzhou, the bell tower faced rival factions in statewide power struggles unknown to ordinary people. Exam cheating scandals carried variable risks – mishandling could spark unnecessary troubles.

“Return to your seats.”

Professor Wu shelved immediate action, noting Li Lingyue’s exceptional physique. Post-exam promotions to official membership would internalize the conflict, placing resolution wholly under his authority.

“Now you…”

The director turned to Zuo Meng.

“You bear no bell tower imprint.”

“I seek education.”

Zuo Meng maintained calm demeanor. This professor clearly possessed valuable intelligence.

“Stealthy infiltration marks you as Black Shadow Tower’s vermin.”

Professor Wu’s icy tone brooked no argument. Truth mattered less than expediency – labeling this troublemaker as scapegoat from money-grubbing faction (already despised by all) justified lethal measures without backlash. When had bell tower ever feared retaliation?

“Did those filthy rats assign new missions?”

Descending the platform, Professor Wu gathered strange energies. Witnessing Teacher Luo’s maiming proved Zuo Meng’s capabilities, yet the director’s confidence remained unshaken.

“Didn’t they warn about bell tower curses?”

Black flames erupted from his palm.

The fire’s rise brought whispering echoes, phantom breaths against every ear. Examinees clutched heads in agony; weaker students collapsed screaming. Even teachers recoiled fearfully as orderly exam hall dissolved into chaos. Professor Wu ignored the suffering masses completely.

The Li sisters endured milder effects shielded behind Zuo Meng.

“Uncle’s…a Shadow Thief?”

Li Lingyue gasped behind her hands.

Li Qingyi maintained clearer perspective. Adult rationality dismissed labels dictated by power – recent family calamities and Zuo Meng’s stance clarified Transcendent World’s true law.

“No thieves exist. Only strong versus weak.”

Provoking superiors became original sin itself. Accusations equaled conviction.

Though unspoken, quick-witted Li Lingyue grasped the truth instantly.

“Curse me?”

Zuo Meng felt invasive forces attempting genetic reconstruction.

Modifying the Creator’s DNA? What arrogance.

With bored gesture, white threads wove Go board projection in his palm. The model expanded, replicating exam hall’s layout. Within the illusion:

Gravity – 10,000x multiplier.

Simulated ground beneath Professor Wu’s feet imploded instantly.