o— “Well, what do you know!
You’re here to snatch him from me?!” Wen Huairen was instantly on high alert.
He immediately began to reorganize his thoughts.
When Hua Yi came out, he would have to make a strong case for the advantages the Department of Universal Things had over the Department of Jurisprudence.
Wen Huairen wasn’t the only one brainstorming, nor was Guen.
The senior members of the Department of Star-Field Species and the Department of Cosmic Geography, who were observing from a distance, were also thinking rapidly.
Hua Yi was this sought-after?
He had drawn out the old guards from two other major departments.
It seemed they needed to rethink their plan.
The original pitch to recruit Hua Yi by promising him a Level III Researcher position would have to be scrapped.
Time to offer Level IV Researcher!
This was ridiculous.
As one of the five major research departments, why should they back down just because the Department of Universal Things and the Department of Jurisprudence were trying to poach someone from the Department of Lumina Archives?
Back in the day, the Department of Cosmic Geography hadn’t bowed its head to the Department of Universal Things even in its most difficult times, and it certainly wouldn’t retreat now.
Since Hua Yi’s talent was enough to startle Wen Huairen, a man known for his sharp eye, and even rouse Guen—who had mostly stopped meddling in his department’s affairs to live out his days quietly—to fight red-faced for him, then of course the Department of Star-Field Species and the Department of Cosmic Geography had to join the fray.
And they would fight to win.
Call for reinforcements!
The senior members of both departments immediately contacted their colleagues, telling them to come as quickly as possible.
—o— Meanwhile, inside the laboratory where Hua Yi had completed his ritual, the senior members and scholars of the Department of Lumina Archives, after meticulous preparations, thorough protective measures, and the most cautious observation possible, finally confirmed the authenticity of the [Key of Inspiration].
Overjoyed, they arrived outside their newcomer’s dormitory, only to find it mobbed by a massive crowd.
Universal Things, Jurisprudence, Star-Field Species, and Cosmic Geography…
why were all these people here?
“What’s with all this chaos?
Quiet down, all of you!
Don’t disturb the rest of our Department of Lumina Archives’ top researcher!
He worked very late last night and made an achievement worthy of being recorded in the annals of academia.
What is the meaning of all this clamoring?!” A senior member of the Department of Lumina Archives shouted as he pushed his way through the crowd.
“And another thing, I don’t care what you’re here for.
Whether you want Hua Yi to continue improving the database he already optimized once, or you want to bother him with some other trivial matter, all of you, scram!
Don’t contact him anymore.
It’s easy to cause misunderstandings, and a member of the Department of Lumina Archives shouldn’t be worrying about the affairs of other departments in the first place.” “Who do you think you’re ordering around?
Huh?
We’re the same rank.
Are you trying to enforce rules across departments?” “That’s right.
Also, would the gentleman from Lumina Archives please watch his words?
Researcher Hua Yi will be joining our Department of Jurisprudence shortly.” “He should be joining the Department of Star-Field Species!” “It’s Cosmic Geography!
Cosmic Geography!” At times like this, a young person’s voice carried more power, but rather than having his son shout out his claim, Wen Huairen put a heavier wager on the table.
“I’ll make this clear right now.
If Hua Yi comes to the Department of Universal Things, he’ll be a Level IV Researcher.
And no matter what salary you offer, my department will double it!
No department here thinks their financial power can compare to Universal Things, do they?” “The position of Head of the Department of Galactic Jurisprudence will eventually belong to Hua Yi.
Wen Huairen, can you double that?
Don’t forget who the current Head of the Department of Universal Things is.” Guen’s challenge made Wen Huairen’s expression freeze.
He was silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into hearty laughter.
“You all think I’m stingy and miserly?
That’s only for the mediocre!
Hua Yi is a rare commodity.
If he can truly lead the Department of Universal Things to a more glorious future, what’s wrong with having Mingde assist him?!” The Department of Universal Things and the Department of Jurisprudence were playing this hard?!
Watching Wen Huairen and Guen go head-to-head, the senior members of Star-Field Species and Cosmic Geography were stunned, floored by the bold declarations.
Another group, however, was furious.
“Utter nonsense!
Hua Yi belongs to the Department of Lumina Archives!
Since it has come to this, I’ll tell you the truth!
Yesterday, he created a brand-new High-rank Mystery, materializing an object imbued with the power of the Path of [Erudition]!
He is already a key protected talent of our department!
At his young age, he is already a titan of academia!
He is not some prize for you all to fight over!” “What?” “A H-High-rank Mystery…” “To be able to create a High-rank Mystery at such a young age…
doesn’t that mean he still has plenty of time to grow, and even further refine a ritual related to the Path of Erudition?” Even though they weren’t members of the Department of Lumina Archives, everyone present understood what a High-rank Mystery involving a Path signified.
It was a gateway for ordinary people to attempt to glimpse a corner of a Path—and the Path of Erudition, no less!
Even if the probability of others replicating the High-rank Mystery was pitifully low, Hua Yi had already created a product of Erudition!
That alone was enough to drive countless scholars into a frenzy.
The news revealed by the Department of Lumina Archives was even more explosive than saying Hua Yi was actually a Pathstrider.
This meant they had to snatch him.
They must snatch him!
The Path of Erudition!
Everyone here was from a research department.
They should be opening their arms to embrace Hua Yi, who had already grasped a key to truth.
A brief silence fell over the crowd before the atmosphere grew even more tense.
The senior members of Star-Field Species and Cosmic Geography narrowed their eyes, having made some sort of decision.
Click.
The dormitory door opened with a soft sound.
Hua Yi, looking refreshed and full of vigor, stepped out.
Feeling the dozens of fiery gazes fixed upon him, he offered a tentative greeting.
“Good morning, everyone?” “Good morning, good morning!
Would you like to have breakfast at the Department of Universal Things, young man?” “I’ll order the most delicious meal plan and have it sent to your office right away!
Ah, that’s right, Researcher Hua Yi doesn’t have a private office yet, does he?
The Department of Lumina Archives will arrange it, immediately!” “On this fine, sunny…
ah, no, on this fine morning while the stars are still shining, please allow me to extend my sincerest respects and invite you for an in-depth tour of the Department of Star-Field Species.” “The Department of Cosmic Geography has discovered several life-bearing planets that have yet to birth civilizations.
Would young friend Hua Yi be interested in naming them?
Come, come, follow me to my office.
I’ll show you the star charts.
If you get tired, it’s no problem.
You can just take a nap in our department.
It’s fine.” The previously hostile atmosphere took a sudden turn.
Everyone’s face was plastered with a friendly smile as they greeted Hua Yi enthusiastically, extending their arms as if to shake his hand.
But as they reached out, they realized many others had the same idea.
The handshake gesture instantly transformed into an attempt to pull Hua Yi toward their respective departments.
The real recruitment war was about to erupt.
“Everyone, please return to your workstations.
I am already aware of the contributions Hua Yi has made to the various departments of the space station.
I will make the appropriate arrangements.” A gentle and pleasant girl’s voice sounded, instantly halting the movements of the experts and scholars from the five major departments.
—o—