Cultivation: But Not a Game-Chapter 127 - 61: Small Moves, Upending the Table

Next, his gaze moved downward to continue checking the information forms.

After spending over half an hour reviewing the forms for 89 individuals, Su Yu had a brief understanding of the situation of the first cohort.

Overall, it wasn’t bad. The team members’ ages ranged from 22 to 80, mostly in their prime, with those over 80 basically relegated to secondary positions.

Their power levels varied, but generally, they were much stronger than ordinary loose cultivators outside. At minimum, each owned a fifth-level magical treasure, and more than six or seven out of ten had sixth-level magical treasures.

Even though Su Yu frequently managed to obtain sixth-level magical treasures, and the top ten in minor exams all had sixth-level magical treasures, it’s actually not common. A fifth-level magical treasure is already considered good.

Those who have sixth-level magical treasures are basically considered guild elites.

He marked the names of those with sixth-level magical treasures and relatively young age for focused attention.

If possible, the remaining squad leaders in the cohort would be promoted from them.

Outside Li Shui Town, a Fire Spirit Ship appeared over the town’s dock; Gu Zhiqiu and others stood on the ship’s deck overlooking the town, with varied expressions.

Zhuang Zhuo clicked his tongue and mused:

"Mr. Chu really values Mr. Su highly, promoting him directly to be the squad leader."

Shi Ning chuckled, saying:

"Do you think Mr. Chu might be fond of Mr. Su? Otherwise, why promote him like this."

"It could be possible, otherwise I can’t figure out why he’s valued so highly."

Standing at the front of the ship, Gu Zhiqiu heard his brothers chatting and his mouth twitched, momentarily speechless.

"Could it be because Mr. Su’s potential is extraordinary, leading Mr. Chu to focus on his development."

Zhuang Zhuo waved his hand, saying:

"That’s just one reason; there must be other factors."

Gu Zhiqiu was about to say more, but then saw a figure from the town rising into the sky and flying in front of the Fire Spirit Ship, revealing Su Yu.

He spread his arms and loudly announced:

"Welcome, brothers!"

Gu Zhiqiu clapped hands with him, smiling and saying:

"You promised earlier to promote us to elite members within three years; don’t back out!"

Su Yu laughed heartily and said:

"I have the authority for recommendations myself. If it’s submitted, it will definitely pass. If it weren’t for the mandatory three-year requirement to join, I could have reported you this year."

"Then we’re relieved."

"Come on, I’ll handle the paperwork for you."

Su Yu beckoned them into the town, opening the guild panel along the way, operating it to record their names temporarily under the first cohort’s first squad.

With Gu Zhiqiu’s strength, a month is enough to stand out and defeat other competitors to be promoted as deputy cohort leader.

By then, before departing the guild for the Xuanzhen Immortal Sect, he can let Gu Zhiqiu take over the first cohort.

As for the squad, it could only be temporarily overseen by the two deputy squad leaders.

But that’s not a big problem. With only one deputy squad leader, there’s a real fear of being overshadowed, but with two, it’s different. Besides, they are competitors themselves, and Hu Qingfeng wouldn’t be willing to be below them, making it impossible for them to meddle with other cohorts.

That evening, Su Yu gathered the first cohort’s squad leaders for a meal, introducing Gu Zhiqiu and others to them to prepare them psychologically.

With Gu Zhiqiu’s strength and potential, it’s not hard to suppress them.

It’s not just about the elite template of the Golden-winged Flying Centipede’s power; the mere fact that he practices a refined level Qi Refining Heart Skill is enough to suppress any opposing voices.

As for Zhuang Zhuo and Shi Ning following Gu Zhiqiu for now, Su Yu didn’t assign them squad leader positions.

Their strength is insufficient, and their potential is average, unable to suppress those with more experience. Forcing them up doesn’t provide any benefit.

Anyway, with him and Gu Zhiqiu there, future benefits will be maximized; being a leader or not isn’t a big issue.

Early next morning, Su Yu got up early, freshened up simply and was about to leave when he suddenly received a message from Zhao Fenglan:

"Squad leader, Mr. Mu and Mr. Xiao want to take away the two Rage Whale Ships."

Su Yu was stunned for a moment, his expression immediately darkened:

"Stop them; I’m on my way."

With a flick of the towel, he left the house, soared into the air, and flew to the dock, where he saw many people gathered. The sails of the two Rage Whale Ships had risen, and the formations on the ships were activated, but progress was halted due to several people blocking the bow.

As Su Yu approached, someone immediately shouted:

"The squad leader is here."

Only then did the two Rage Whale Ships slowly come to a stop, as Mu Chen and Xiao Yunya emerged from inside the ships, greeting him from afar:

"Why does the squad leader stop us?"

Su Yu said flatly:

"You know I’m the squad leader; I thought you both were the squad leaders."

Both felt a chill, exchanged glances, and nodded, with Mu Chen saying:

"The squad leader is overthinking it. I was merely following your instructions from yesterday’s meeting to lead the team for external development."

"Regarding the Rage Whale Ships, seeing no one using them, I made the decision on my own. If the squad leader needs them, I’ll return them to you immediately."

Xiao Yunya also promptly said:

"Same with the third cohort; if the squad leader wants, we’ll get off immediately."

As soon as the words fell, several members of the second cohort climbed to the sides of the Rage Whale Ships, with someone loudly saying:

"Squad leader, please don’t be angry; we’ll get off immediately."

"This is too domineering, the official might is heavy."

"He’s the squad leader; whatever he says goes."

Many people whispered, but the whispers were loud enough for many to hear, clearly intentional.

Everyone’s gaze focused on Su Yu, wanting to see how he would handle the situation.

Inside the town, Hu Qingfeng and Gu Yao, who had just received the news, paused and listened intently, also wanting to know how Su Yu would face Mu Chen and Xiao Yunya’s provocation.

Yes, anyone could tell this was Mu Chen and Xiao Yunya, the two deputy squad leaders, joining forces to challenge his authority as squad leader. Mismanaging the situation could label him as arrogant or domineering.

If he didn’t handle or if he backed off, his prestige as squad leader would be greatly diminished, making it difficult to control them in the future.

Su Yu coldly looked at Mu Chen and Xiao Yunya, who also stared at him expressionlessly.

After a moment of silence, Su Yu opened his mouth and said:

"Idiots!"

Everyone was stunned, Mu Chen’s face sank as he coldly said:

"You’re the squad leader, but you can’t insult us like this. I will..."

"Idiots!"

Infusing mana, Su Yu’s voice reverberated like thunder at the dock:

"Mu Chen and Xiao Yunya, not thinking of unity, deliberately provoking the authority of the squad leader, I hereby announce the suspension of all their duties as squad leader of the third squad. The developmental activities of the second and third squads are paused today."

As soon as the words fell, everyone’s expression changed dramatically, and voices of shock erupted.

"Oh my, is this for real, relieved of duties directly?"

"So domineering! But somehow, I find it quite alright."

"Honestly, this really feels like how a squad leader should act."

"Indeed, being the squad leader, I’ll just flip the table; who would stupidly play tricks with you."

Xiao Yunya’s face turned dark blue as he loudly said:

"You don’t have the authority for this!"

Su Yu looked at them like they were fools and said:

"I’m going to report to Mr. Chu now; with you two in the third squad, there’s no place for me. Let’s see whether Mr. Chu will kick you out or me."

Having said that, he rose into the air:

"Today’s activities are canceled; any matters, contact Captain Gu Yao of the fourth cohort and Captain Hu Qingfeng of the fifth cohort."

With a dramatic swing of his sleeve, he headed towards the north.

Mu Chen and Xiao Yunya’s faces turned iron-blue as they exchanged a glance and followed him.

Once they left, the dock immediately became noisy, as members of the third squad enthusiastically discussed, even members of the second and third squads were the same. Mu Chen and Xiao Yunya had just arrived and yet to establish any emotional connection, so inner leanings were weak, but there was a strong interest in viewing the situation from afar.

By this time, Hu Qingfeng emerged from within the town, his expression very colorful:

"Amazing, the squad leader did a nice job with this move!"

His assistant standing behind him was puzzled:

"Is this alright? Isn’t he afraid Mr. Chu won’t agree, or that everyone will get the same penalty, making it impossible for him to stand in the third squad afterwards?"

Hu Qingfeng shook his head, saying:

"Not possible; Mr. Chu will definitely stand by him."

"Challenging authority is a serious offense regardless of the reason; the leader, deputy leader, and other squad leaders will support him."

"Furthermore, whether talking about strength or potential, Squad Leader Su’s value far exceeds those of the two, they have no chance of winning in any aspect."

"Then aren’t they done for, losing the position before even warming the seats, leaving them no authority in the future?"

"They brought this upon themselves; why would anyone unite to embarrass their superior right at the start, and in front of everyone, making small maneuvers? No one can tolerate that."

"I just didn’t expect him to be so fierce, responding so aggressively, flipping the table just after a little test."

"Cool!"