The villains are redeemed, and the heroines cry and beg for forgiveness.

If the ruling center were to kill Xue Yingsong directly, it would certainly cause a huge uproar in Canglong City, and might even trigger a massive wave of opposition against the ruling center.

The ruling center couldn't possibly be unaware of these consequences. Canglong City isn't a bloodline-based system; those who can sit in such high positions might turn bad, but they're definitely not stupid.

Then it would be brilliant to attribute Xue Yingsong's death to the Abyss Demon. Then, announce Xue Yingsong's deeds, elevate him to an unprecedented hero, and transfer the public's anger to the Abyss Demon. Then, the ruling center can use the pretext of avenging the president of Lanxin University to drive away the Abyss Demon, and even leave some of the demon's corpse behind.

In this way, the ruling center will not only avoid taking responsibility for Xue Yingsong's death or suffering any losses, but will also win more popular support in Canglong City.

Xue Xiling said worriedly, "Dad, aren't you in great danger?"

Xue Yingsong shook his head and said, "My personal safety is not a concern, but if those old guys in the ruling center collude with the Abyss Demons and betray the interests of Azure Dragon City, then Azure Dragon City will be in grave danger." Xue Yingsong sighed and said, "Azure Dragon City is one of the earliest main cities built by the Human Alliance, and it has always been a benchmark for the Human Alliance and a model for other main cities to follow."

"In the more than two thousand years of recorded history, there have only been two times when Canglong City lagged behind other major cities. One was the discovery of supernatural abilities, which was overtaken by cities such as Xinyue City and Xinluo City. However, Canglong City quickly created a new path to becoming stronger, namely martial arts, which provided a second path for humans without supernatural talents. Of course, Zhuque City also played a small role in this."

Gu Ran knew that Vermilion Bird City did not play "a little bit of a role" in this, but rather shared the credit for spreading and developing martial arts with Azure Dragon City. The two main cities were often referred to together by people from other main cities as the birthplace and holy land of martial arts.

However, it is common for the two main cities to undermine each other, especially when it comes to competing for the development and spread of martial arts. They spare no effort to belittle the other's role, almost to the point of kicking the other out of its status as one of the birthplaces of martial arts.

Although both main cities competed to see who played a greater role in developing and spreading martial arts, they did not argue about which main city's people were credited for creating martial arts.

This is also one of the historical mysteries. There is no record in history of who created martial arts, or perhaps it was recorded but not passed down.

Both the records from Canglong City and Zhuque City state that people from the two main cities followed the peerless genius who created martial arts to learn martial arts. After many years of learning, they returned to their cities and founded the earliest martial arts sects in Canglong City and Zhuque City, respectively.

Cheng Caimeng always boasted about the long history of her martial arts school, one of which was that the predecessor of their Niyuan Martial Arts School was one of the earliest martial arts sects in Canglong City.

However, this historical period occurred shortly after the founding of Canglong City, which is more than two thousand years ago, exceeding the history of the Star Stone Calendar. Records from that time are extremely scarce, and therefore, no material about the peerless genius who created martial arts has been passed down.

Therefore, no matter what, neither of the two main cities could convince the other that the peerless genius belonged to their own city. Over time, the two main cities simply put this dispute aside.

Ultimately, the honor of being the origin of martial arts was shared by the two main cities, since the peerless genius who created martial arts did indeed teach martial arts in the area of ​​Azure Dragon City and Vermilion Bird City.

What infuriated the two main cities was that, not only did they have a dispute with each other, but other main cities also tried to take advantage of them, claiming that the peerless genius who created martial arts was from their city.

But in reality, the main city that came to cause trouble has only been established for a little over a thousand years. How dare they come here to cause trouble?

However, the so-called historians of this main city presented some so-called evidence, saying that although Far East City was built late, it had been inhabited by humans for a long time. They claimed that the peerless genius who created martial arts originally lived here before going to Azure Dragon City and Vermilion Bird City to teach martial arts.

Azure Dragon City and Vermilion Bird City should openly acknowledge this and display the grandeur befitting great cities.

That's right, that main city is Far East City. The warrior from the Giant Shark Squad that Gu Ran encountered when he saved Little Conch's mother was a warrior from Far East City.

When the rulers of Canglong City and Zhuque City heard such shameless words, they were probably furious. The two main cities immediately cooperated and responded to the situation.

Thus, the Human Alliance's famous "Martial Arts Prohibitions" were born.

The main prohibitions in martial arts are as follows:

1. The martial arts techniques of Azure Dragon City and Vermilion Bird City are prohibited from being opened to any people from the Far East City, and no martial arts sect can accept people from the Far East City as disciples.

2. Warriors from Far East City have been placed on the list of unwelcome persons in the two main cities and are permanently banned from entering Azure Dragon City and Vermilion Bird City.

3. If warriors from the Far East City who use the techniques of their two main cities are encountered in Azure Dragon City and Vermilion Bird City, they can be killed immediately.

Because of the existence of martial arts prohibitions, Far East City gradually developed its own unique martial arts. Of course, this was developed on the basis of the predecessors constantly violating the martial arts prohibitions, using all kinds of methods to steal the martial arts techniques of Azure Dragon City and Vermilion Bird City, and then "improving" them.

Like the martial artist from the Far East City that Gu Ran encountered back then, because he had embarked on the "modified" evil path, his own strength was weaker than that of people of the same level, and he could only rely on other means to make up for his combat power.

Regarding the current situation in Canglong City, Gu Ran had also suspected that martial artists from the Far East City might be involved, since the Far East City had been coveting the martial arts techniques of Canglong City and Zhuque City for quite some time.

However, he has not yet found conclusive evidence, so he cannot draw any conclusions.

"The second example is universities. Compared to some other universities in the main city, Lanxin University was established relatively late."

Xueyingsong seems to be reminiscing.

165. Gu Ran is the only solution to save Canglong City! (4k)

Xue Yingsong continued, "Because Canglong City and Zhuque City are the birthplaces of martial arts, possessing a very complete and rich martial arts system, they lost their advantage in the face of the impact of the new wave. It is only because Canglong City has such a great advantage in martial arts that it has been able to maintain its advantage for so many years despite the catching up and closing in from other major cities."

"Finally, more than three hundred years ago, the development of Star Stone Technology led to earth-shattering changes in the development of martial arts and superpowers. The first principal of Lanxin University timely created Lanxin University in accordance with the changing trends of the times, focusing on the combination of Star Stone Technology and martial arts, and quickly caught up with the universities in other major cities, and has been leading ever since."

"Because of the lack of such a leader, Suzaku City has become more conservative and has been sticking to its old ways. Its overall strength has been declining in recent centuries. If it weren't for the fact that every generation of space ability users chooses to stay in Suzaku City, Suzaku City's influence in the Human Alliance would have dropped many places."

Finally, Xue Yingsong looked at Gu Ran and said, "So falling behind temporarily is not terrible. Exposing your weaknesses and having a sense of urgency can actually be an opportunity for change."

Gu Ran sensed that the old fox's words had a hidden meaning, but he couldn't tell whether the old fox was just acting out of professional habit and trying to teach him, or whether the other party... had a deeper meaning hidden from the beginning?

Gu Ran stared into Xue Yingsong's eyes for a while, and then realized that the other person was also looking at him.

Xue Yingsong looked at Gu Ran and said, "The Abyss Demons are colluding with the ruling center. Canglong City is now at its most critical moment. Although I know you are not from Canglong City and therefore do not have a strong sense of belonging to Canglong City, as the president of Lanxin University, I earnestly request that you help Lanxin University overcome this difficulty and help Canglong City overcome this difficulty!"

As he spoke, Xue Yingsong bowed deeply to Gu Ran, as if he wouldn't get up unless Gu Ran agreed.

Gu Ran was startled and quickly dodged Xue Yingsong's bow.

"Principal, what are you doing? I can't accept such a big bow." Gu Ran said with a shameful expression, but he did not immediately accept Xue Yingsong's bow. Instead, he weighed the matter in his mind.

Xue Xiling looked at her father's actions in surprise. She knew that her father valued Leng Ran, but she did not expect that he valued her to this extent.

Xiao Chaofeng was also surprised by his old friend's behavior, but he did not stop Xue Yingsong. Instead, he looked Gu Ran over again, as if trying to figure out just how extraordinary Gu Ran was that his old friend would do such a thing.

The psychic ability user whom Ye Ding had always considered his rival was still there. He, who had always had a very low profile, couldn't help but glance at Gu Ran.

As for Ye Ding, Gu Ran had already disappeared when she returned. Gu Ran didn't ask about his whereabouts because he wasn't important.

"If you can save Canglong City and these millions of innocent people, then even if I kneel before you, you will absolutely deserve it," Xue Yingsong said firmly. "And don't you want to know the secret behind it?"

At the end, Xue Yingsong's tone suddenly changed: "The secret you want to know is not easy to put into words. I think you already know that. You can only find the real truth by experiencing it yourself and digging it out yourself. And only you can know this truth."

Gu Ran frowned: "Principal, you might as well be more explicit. Just how much do you know?"

Xue Yingsong shook her head: "It's not that I don't want to explain, but... it's impossible to explain, or even understandable. You've already been to that ruin... so you should understand."

"There is a rule preventing the truth from being known, and this truth concerns everyone... But that is still some distance away, and there is time to prepare and deal with it. The most urgent task now is to solve the problem of Canglong City. Only by solving the problem of Canglong City can we take better steps forward."

Gu Ran's heart stirred, and he looked at Xue Yingsong.

Xue Yingsong's eyes were open and sincere, without any scheming or cunning.

If this were an act, then Xue Yingsong's acting skills would far surpass those of Oscar-winning actors.

"Alright, then please tell us your plan, Principal. I don't think a principal who has earned the trust and respect of so many people at Lanxin University would have done so without any thought or preparation."

Gu Ran had already sensed that no matter where he went or who he met, there seemed to be a thread of fate connecting him with certain people and things.

Even if he wants to stay out of it, he will always encounter events that will drag him into them.

Since that's the case, he decided to truly participate and embrace the challenge.

Simply running away won't solve the problem. Only by taking initiative, identifying the problem, finding the root cause, and taking action can the problem be truly solved.

This is a concept that Gu Ran has always held.

Xue Yingsong's words just now have revealed that he clearly knows something, so the breakthrough point lies with him. Why not listen to his arrangements? Maybe we can discover something.

When Xue Yingsong saw that Gu Ran had agreed, a hint of joy appeared on her face.

He finally straightened his bent back and returned to his usual composed and confident demeanor as the president of Lanxin University.

“Alright, since you’ve agreed, let’s begin our counterattack,” Xue Yingsong said with a smile. “Although the ruling center has the authority to mobilize all the resources of Canglong City, their orders are not always carried out.”

"Because the bureaucratic system of Azure Dragon City is too large, this itself creates obstacles to the transmission of orders. So now we should have enough time. We must seize leadership of Azure Dragon City before we can organize manpower to stop the attack of the Abyss Demons."

“Bounty hunters are all profit-driven people. It’s impossible to expect them to shed blood for Azure Dragon City. Therefore, Azure Dragon City must be protected by ourselves.”

Gu Ran couldn't help but think to herself, "It feels like I'm being insulted."

Are all bounty hunters a bunch of profit-driven people? But his public identity in Azure Dragon City is that of a bounty hunter.

Must we protect Canglong City ourselves? But he's not from Canglong City; he's from outside the city.

Xue Yingsong glanced at Gu Ran and said, "You've passed Lanxin University's assessment, so no matter where you were born before, you are now undoubtedly a resident of Canglong City. No one will question this unless you yourself... are unwilling. But whether you like it or not, Lanxin University will always welcome you and will always be your home."

Gu Ran could sense the sincerity in Xue Yingsong's words and couldn't help but feel moved.

Xue Yingsong continued, "Our most important task now is to broadcast the current situation to the entire city, letting them know that the ruling center is no longer trustworthy. Then, we need to locate those old guys in the ruling center and carry out a decapitation strike. I know their character; they are a group of stubborn old men, so persuading them to turn back is impossible. We can only let them..."

A hint of sadness flashed across Xue Yingsong's face as she sighed and said, "They've been acquaintances for many years. Although we can't be considered friends, we've still spent so many years together. I used to admire their contributions to Canglong City immensely, but time... can change so much."

Gu Ran didn't quite understand Xue Yingsong and those old men who held the highest power in Canglong City, but he could guess that there was probably some story between them.

However, what he cared about most was the plan itself.

"Then how should we convey our message to all the people of Canglong City?" Gu Ran asked, frowning. "Since you've put this first, you must have a plan by now, right?"

“It’s a very simple thing,” Xue Yingsong said. “Years of development of Star Stone Technology have enabled every household in the inner city of Canglong City to have a broadcasting device. Even in the slums, free broadcasting devices have been installed on the streets to ensure that every household can hear it.”

"Although the broadcasting system of Canglong City is under the jurisdiction of the ruling center, firstly, the ruling center does not attach great importance to this system and is only busy expanding its own violent forces; secondly, most of the people in charge of the broadcasting system are graduates of Lanxin University. As long as I step in to persuade them, I can get the broadcasting system to turn to us."

Although Gu Ran could guess Xue Yingsong's influence, she was still speechless when she heard Xue Yingsong's confident guarantee.

Let alone the central government, even he, if he were in that position, would still be wary of Xue Yingsong.

This influence is too strong. With just a few words, she can get a department in the ruling center to switch sides. What if Xue Yingsong were to exert her influence on the military or other violent institutions?

Don't think too much about it, or you'll have trouble sleeping at night.

Gu Ran had already realized that Xue Yingsong's mistake lay in his very existence. Even if he did nothing but devote himself to research at Lanxin University, it would still be intolerable to the elders in the ruling center.

The only outcome that would best suit their wishes is for someone as influential as Xue Yingsong to completely disappear.

"Then I will explain the current situation to all the people of Canglong City, to give our actions a righteous cause. We are not rebelling, but restoring order and eliminating those traitors who are detrimental to Canglong City. In this way, we will be able to quickly stabilize the order of Canglong City after carrying out the decapitation operation."

Xue Yingsong explained her plans.

After listening, Gu Ran pondered for a moment and asked, "Then how do we determine the locations of those elders? And are they all really bad people? Isn't there anyone we can win over?"