1888 80% Death Rate, Nightmare Level! A Scheme! (4) “That’s your problem now,” Yue Qiqiao said with a mischievous grin. “Those who can become associate council members must have considerable strength, and they’re unlikely to be new students. So, you’re in for some trouble.” “Damn! This is such an unexpected situation,” Wang Teng said, shaking his head. “But now that you mention it, it does seem a bit strange. Being an associate council member doesn’t grant much power. It’s more like a qualification. Yet, it has caused you trouble. Is this a reward?” Yue Qiqiao pondered, looking perplexed. “It feels rather odd.” “Could it be that someone didn’t want our boss to become a council member directly, so they set up this hurdle?” Wade suggested. “Now that you mention it, that’s quite possible!” Yue Qiqiao furrowed her beautiful brows, her expression filled with suspicion. “Could it be that someone didn’t want you to become a council member directly, so they made you an associate council member? It satisfies the academy’s reward requirements and also puts a hold on you, a win-win situation.” Everyone was smart so they quickly figured out the internal dynamics of the Arbitration Association with just a few sentences and speculated about what was happening. “So… someone is plotting against me?” Wang Teng squinted his eyes. He detested being manipulated by others, no matter who they were. He would rather not have this associate council member status than let someone easily manipulate him. “I’m afraid only The Seven Judges can do this.” Yue Qiqiao’s gaze turned complicated. She had originally thought that Wang Teng becoming an associate council member was a good thing, but now it seemed that it might not be. Given Wang Teng’s temperament, being manipulated by others, even if it were the Seven Judges, was not something he could easily swallow. “The Seven Judges! Hmph~” Wang Teng suddenly chuckled. “I don’t seem to have any connection with them, do I?” “You can’t say that. You’re a genius who has made it onto the Star Rankings, and there have been some rumors circulating outside…” Yue Qiqiao hesitated for a moment. “What rumor?” Wang Teng asked calmly. “Some people say that you will most likely replace one of the judges and become the new one!” Yue Qiqiao took a deep breath and said. “Me, becoming a new Judge?” Wang Teng laughed. This was quite the flattery! He had no idea that people were talking about him behind his back like this! “These are just some small rumors. I originally didn’t take them seriously, but now…” Yue Qiqiao shook her head helplessly. Some rumors weren’t credible at first, but since they had appeared, there were bound to be people who felt uncomfortable. Especially for those in high positions. “This associate council member status has indeed become a hot potato.” Wang Teng uttered with a light smile. “This is an open trap that forces you to take it.” Yue Qiqiao said. “No, you’re wrong. I can choose not to accept it.” Wang Teng’s expression gradually became serious, and he said calmly. “You mean…” Yue Qiqiao’s eyes widened in shock, looking at Wang Teng with disbelief. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂 That was the Academy Arbitration Association! Could it be… “I’m just about to go on a mission, so I’ll set this designation aside for now,” Wang Teng said casually. “If I don’t register with the Academy Arbitration Association, I won’t be an associate council member yet.” “I’d like to see how they explain this to the academy later.” As he spoke, a sneering smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth. “But by doing this, you’re essentially offending the higher-ups,” Yue Qiqiao said with a sense of shock. “Yeah, Boss, you…” Wade also found this matter extremely tricky. Even with his admiration for Wang Teng, he had to admit that the Academy Arbitration Association was probably not something Wang Teng could afford to provoke. However, when he saw Wang Teng’s eyes, he repressed his words. The pride in those eyes seemed unshakable by anything. He knew Wang Teng was an extremely proud person, and this pride was not superficial but came from within, engraved in his bones. Such people couldn’t be persuaded. They wouldn’t bow to anyone! Even if the enemy was terrifying! “Don’t worry, even if it’s those few people, if they want to plot against me, they should be prepared to suffer the price,” Wang Teng uttered calmly.