Reincarnated as a Mosquito, I Sucked the Reborn Empress to Tears

「Meanwhile.」

Kyoto University. The top-floor conference room of the administration building.

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy and tense.

The massive, round mahogany table was surrounded by the university’s senior leadership and veteran instructors.

Even a few of the vice-chancellors, who were normally elusive, had made a rare appearance today.

On the projection screen was an official document with a red letterhead from the Great Xia Education Bureau: "Notice Regarding the Selection of Outstanding Students for the International Youth Martial Dao Tournament."

"Everyone, you’re all aware of the situation."

The head of the Academic Affairs Office knocked on the table, breaking the silence. His tone was grave.

"This tournament isn’t just about the reputation of our Jing University; it’s about the honor of our nation."

"The higher-ups have given us three spots. These three students must be the strongest, the most reliable, and the best representatives of Jing University’s caliber!"

"Let’s discuss the candidates."

As soon as he finished speaking, an instructor in charge of the fourth-years’ practical combat courses was the first to speak up.

"Is there even a need to discuss this? Following precedent, can’t we just pick from the top three on the Celestial Pride List? Their strength is undeniable. No one could complain."

"Old Zhang, that’s not right," another female instructor retorted with a frown.

"The Celestial Pride List is a good reference, but it isn’t absolute. Take Qin Wudao, for example. He’s ranked third, but he was just severely wounded in Secret Realm Nine. I heard even his Origin was damaged. How can he go in that condition?"

"Then Qin Wudao’s spot will have to be opened up. Who fills it?"

"I think the fourth-year, Zhao Lei, is a good choice. He just recently broke through to the Seventh Grade Middle Stage!"

"No, no. That kid Zhao Lei’s fighting style is too reckless; he’d be easily countered. On the international stage, those foreigners play dirty!"

Everyone started talking at once, arguing endlessly.

Just then, a young instructor in the corner who had remained silent suddenly spoke up, albeit a bit hesitantly.

"Um... I think student Gu Yuexi might be worth considering?"

In an instant, the conference room fell silent. All eyes converged on the young instructor.

"Gu Yuexi?"

A highly experienced old professor pushed up his glasses, his brow furrowed slightly.

"You mean that first-year who’s been causing such a stir lately? I’ve heard of her. Her talent is indeed remarkable, to make so much noise in her very first semester."

"Especially in Secret Realm Nine this time. Although the report was vague, the fact that she could survive an Eighth-Grade Queen Bee and the realm’s collapse is proof of her strength."

"But!"

The old professor’s tone shifted, becoming sterner.

"She’s only a first-year, after all! Her Realm is too low! From what I know, she only just broke through to Fifth-Grade, didn’t she? Sending her seems like a complete farce, doesn’t it?"

"I agree with Elder Wang’s assessment," another instructor chimed in.

"Talent is one thing, but it takes time for talent to mature. We can’t force her growth. If something were to happen to her in the tournament, we’d be destroying a promising future prospect."

The debate once again reached a stalemate.

Some were optimistic about Gu Yuexi, while others worried her raw power was insufficient and that she was too much of a risk.

Just then, a young man who had been sitting at the far end of the conference table with his eyes closed in rest slowly opened them.

The young man wore a simple white short-sleeved shirt and had a refined, scholarly air, a complete contrast to Qin Wudao’s sharp, ostentatious presence.

He was none other than Jing University’s second-ranked prodigy on the Celestial Pride List, Shen Yixuan.

He was attending this meeting by special invitation as the student representative and, so far, the only confirmed tournament participant.

"Ah, Yixuan."

The head of the Academic Affairs Office looked at him, his tone softening considerably.

"You’ve been listening for a while now. Why don’t you share your thoughts? Do you think this Gu Yuexi is qualified to be your teammate?"

All heads turned to Shen Yixuan.

As the leading figure among the students, his opinion at a time like this often carried the weight of a final verdict.

Shen Yixuan smiled faintly. He didn’t offer a direct conclusion, instead pondering for a moment before speaking in a gentle voice.

"Honorable instructors, to be honest, I only just came out of seclusion yesterday. I have not met this Sister Gu, nor do I know her."

"Since I don’t know her, I’m not in a position to judge."

He paused, a flicker of interest in his eyes.

"However, I have heard some rumors about her. To be able to get the better of a guy like Qin Wudao and escape an S-Level mission unscathed... This Sister Gu must certainly have something extraordinary about her."

"But Elder Wang is also right. An international tournament is no joke; it’s a real battlefield."

"Therefore, I have a proposal."

Shen Yixuan scanned the room and said slowly,

"Since everyone is at an impasse, why not hand the choice over to the entire student body?"

"We can create a provisional list of three candidates. Starting today, for a period of ten days."

"Within these ten days, any Jing University student deemed qualified to challenge by an instructor can issue a challenge to the three people on that list."

"Win, and you take their place."

"Lose, and you shut up and watch quietly as others go to fight for the nation’s glory."

At this, the smile on Shen Yixuan’s lips widened, tinged with a powerful self-confidence.

"Of course, this rule includes me. If someone can defeat me within these ten days, I will gladly step aside for someone more worthy."

As soon as he said this, the various leaders and instructors looked at each other in astonishment.

A moment later, the head of the Academic Affairs Office slammed his hand on the table and laughed heartily.

"Excellent! An excellent method!"

"A Martial Artist is defined by their will to fight! If they don’t even dare to accept—or can’t handle—a challenge from within our own university, then they have no business embarrassing themselves on the international stage!"

"It’s settled then!"

...

「That afternoon.」

At Jing University’s largest Central Plaza, a massive crowd was gathered in front of the giant public notice board.

"It’s out! It’s out! The list of participants for the Youth Martial Dao Tournament in the White Eagle Empire is out!"

"Quick, let’s see who’s on it! These are our university’s representatives!"

The students pushed and shoved, excitedly crowding around the three huge posters that had just been put up.

On the first poster was a refined-looking young man in a Chinese-style t-shirt, standing with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Senior Shen Yixuan! No surprise there!"

"Of course! Senior Shen is the pillar of our university! I heard he had another breakthrough during his seclusion this time. He might have already touched the threshold of Eighth-Grade!"

The crowd’s gaze shifted to the second poster.

It depicted a tall woman clad in red leather armor, holding a long whip. Her eyes were fiery and wild.

"Whoa! Senior Sister Luo Qingyu!"

"The fourth-ranked prodigy, and our school’s famous ’Female Tyrannosaur’! If anyone pisses her off, she’ll literally whip the skin off them."

"Senior Sister Luo is well-deserving. With her Seventh Grade Middle Stage strength and her Fire Element Great Perfection Realm, she’s definitely qualified."

Everyone had expected the first two names, and they nodded in approval.

However, when their eyes fell upon the third poster, the crowd instantly erupted.

On that poster was a coolly beautiful girl, like Fairy Guanghan descended to the mortal world.

Name: Gu Yuexi (Beast Taming Academy).

Year: First-Year.

Realm: Fifth-Grade (Provisional).