The Elixir of Immortality, also known as the Undying Divine Elixir, possesses miraculous powers that defy the laws of nature. If someone has died within three days, the Elixir can bring them back to life.
You can imagine just how insanely valuable the Elixir of Immortality is. For the Military Council to use it to win over Ian Song shows just how dead set they are on recruiting him.
So, when Victor Wei mentioned the Elixir of Immortality, Xander Xuanyuan and the other five leaders all turned pale.
Forget about Ian Song—even for the six deans, resisting the Elixir of Immortality would be pretty much impossible.
"What exactly is the Elixir of Immortality? What does it do?" Seeing the six deans all react so strongly, Ian asked curiously.
Howard Gu had been on cloud nine these past few days—his pursuit of senior Yvette Hu was finally paying off, and last night, he'd actually managed to hold her soft, delicate hand.
That feeling—so soft, so gentle—he could still taste it even now.
He still didn't believe that, with the Elixir of Immortality on the table, Leon would refuse to join the military.
Although the Elixir of Immortality was incredibly valuable, Ian's desire for it wasn't strong—because he possessed the Resurrection Divine Art, which had the same effect.
At that moment, Ian spoke up.
"Vice General Wei, deans, is it really impossible for me to be both a Sanctum Martial Academy student and a member of the military?"
Victor Wei immediately got annoyed: "No way. If you join the military, you have to quit Sanctum Martial Academy. That's the rule."
Xander Xuanyuan quickly conferred with the others, then said, "If Leon wants to join the military, we'll keep him registered at the academy. No problem."
"Thank you, deans."
Ian bowed to the six academy leaders, then looked at Victor Wei. "Vice General Wei, if you want me to join the military, you must let me keep my Sanctum Academy identity."
Victor Wei's face turned ugly as he shook his head. "Impossible. The military has paid such a huge price precisely to make you a purely military asset. The Military Council will never agree!"
"In that case, I can only apologize to you!"
Ian said, sounding a little disappointed.
Victor Wei was dumbfounded. He hadn't expected Leon to really refuse to join the military. Didn't the kid realize the benefits he was turning down—benefits most people could never dream of?
"Aw, does Young Master Huang really not like us?" Lynn Meng pouted, looking hurt.
Melody Empress spoke with a look of regret.
"It really is a bit of a shame, but I can't let down all the kindness you've shown me!" Ian said with a smile.
"Haha, well said! Kid, you really didn't disappoint me!" Venerable Dragon Sword laughed heartily, clapping Ian on the shoulder.
Just as Ian was about to leave with the six deans...
Victor Wei finally spoke, his expression shifting. "Leon, your request is pretty outrageous, but I'll report it to the Military Council. Whether you can have two identities depends on their decision."
"Yeah."
Ian replied nonchalantly.
Back at the academy, Ian was saying goodbye to the six deans when Melody Empress called out to him.
"Melody Empress."
"Mm."
Melody Empress nodded. "How are things going between you and Harriet?"
"Yeah."
"It's going okay," Ian replied after thinking for a moment.
Ian smiled, reached out, and took Harriet Gu's slightly cold little hand. She put up a token struggle, but then just let him hold it, her gorgeous face blushing bright red.
"Don't worry, I definitely won't." Ian quickly promised.
"Alright, that's all. You can go now."
"Alright, I'll take my leave then."
Back at his own courtyard, Ian found that the twin sisters, Lynn Meng and Annie Meng, still hadn't left.
"Ladies, it's getting late. You should head back."
"Does Young Master Huang really dislike us that much?" Lynn Meng said with a hurt expression.
Ian grinned. "Of course not. It's just, it's getting late—if you two hang around much longer, people might start talking, and that wouldn't be great for your reputations."
"We're not afraid at all...!"
At that moment, Annie Meng tugged at Lynn Meng, who wanted to keep talking, and said to Ian, "Young Master Huang, we'll take our leave now. We'll visit again next time."
Ian personally escorted the twins out of the courtyard. He couldn't help feeling a little lost—after nearly a year in this world, he hadn't even held a girl's hand. For someone who'd already experienced the joys of romance, this was tough to endure.
Still, before coming to this world, he'd warned himself not to get involved with women too easily. After all, there were already several living in his villa back in the real world.
Howard Gu had been in high spirits these past few days—his relationship with senior Yvette Hu had progressed again, and during their date last night, he'd finally held her delicate hand.
That soft, delicate sensation was unforgettable—even now, he could still savor it.
He was still lost in thought when a knock sounded at the door.
He opened the courtyard gate and saw the person he'd been dreaming about standing outside.
"Yvette, what brings you here?" Howard Gu said in surprise, happily welcoming her into the courtyard.
"I'm planning to go on a training trip and wanted someone to accompany me. Are you interested?" Yvette Hu asked bluntly, her eyes showing a hint of anticipation.
"Of course I'll go!" Howard Gu nodded eagerly.
"Good. Let's each prepare tonight and set out at dawn tomorrow."
"I'll do whatever you say," Howard Gu replied.
Half an hour later, Yvette Hu left Howard Gu's courtyard. The shy smile on her face vanished, replaced by a cold, disgusted expression.
That night, in a shabby hut somewhere in the city...
Wynton Wu looked at Yvette Hu. "How are things progressing?" he asked.
Yvette Hu replied quickly, "Don't worry, senior. He's completely enchanted by me. Tomorrow, I'll take him out for training."
"Excellent. When you return, I want him so in love with you he can't live without you," Wynton Wu said with satisfaction.
"Don't worry, senior. I won't let you down," Yvette Hu promised.
"Here, take this pill! If you succeed, there will be a great reward!"
…………
The next morning, Howard Gu and Yvette Hu left the academy together, beginning their training journey.
Meanwhile, Ian was enjoying the breakfast Harriet Gu had brought him.
After breakfast, Ian looked at her and said, "Harriet, playing chess every day is getting boring. Why don't we go for a walk in the city?"
"Sure."
Harriet Gu nodded in response.
After a quick tidy-up, the two set off together.
They wandered around the city for most of the day, and at Ian's urging, Harriet Gu bought a bunch of useless little trinkets.
After dinner at a restaurant, they returned to the academy together.
"There's a pavilion over there. Why don't we go sit for a while?" Ian suggested to Harriet Gu.
"Alright."
"It's a bit dark. Let me hold your hand so you don't trip."
Ian smiled and reached out to take Harriet Gu's slightly cold little hand. She struggled symbolically for a moment, then let him hold it, her beautiful face tinged with a blush.