Chapter 23: Conflict

Wu Hao’s lips curled into a faint smile; it seemed that Hou Xinjie’s current reaction was exactly the result he had hoped for. He wanted Wang Xian and his companions to fly into a rage, or even resort to physical violence. They were not afraid of escalating the situation. After all, they were second-year students; even if they committed a few minor infractions, the school would not expel them immediately—at most, they would face some disciplinary action.

However, it was a different story for Ma Yuan and the others. If they were to get into trouble now, they would likely be disqualified before they even had the chance to participate in the freshman assessment.

"Since you don't want to jump, there are other ways," Wu Hao said, his voice turning cold. "You can get down on your knees and beg me, and perhaps I will forgive you."

Wang Xian’s face flushed deep red, his hands clenched into tight fists. Yet, he dared not strike. He represented the Wang family of Gao City; if he were expelled before the assessment even began, he would bring total disgrace upon his family. Hou Xinjie was itching for a fight, eager to rush forward and pummel Wu Hao’s group, but Ma Yuan held him back firmly, fully aware of the consequences.

"What? Is this year’s crop of freshmen so spineless? Don’t you even have the courage to admit your mistakes?" Wu Hao taunted again.

"Don't think that just because you've been here a year longer, you can do whatever you want. In the eyes of some, you are nothing."

Just as Wu Hao and his group were being aggressive, a clear, resonant voice drifted over from not far away. A young man in a white shirt appeared, his gaze sharp as he looked toward Wu Hao’s group.

Seeing this man, Wu Hao’s expression tightened. His eyes flickered toward the pavilion in the distance, instinctively seeking a signal from Cheng Yuntai. Like Wu Hao and Cheng Yuntai, even though they had been enrolled for a few years, they always paid attention to the new intake, especially those with notable family backgrounds or reputations.

The young man in the white shirt was Chang Huailiang. His family, the Changs, was one of the most prominent noble clans in Yuanzhou City—a prestigious and influential family that even the high-ranking officials of the Huali Military Academy treated with respect.

Cheng Yuntai also frowned. He had looked into Chang Huailiang before and knew the extraordinary weight of the Chang family background. Honestly, he did not want to get entangled with Chang Huailiang, let alone engage in a conflict on the very first encounter. However, when he glanced at his younger brother—whose eyes were filled with disgust for the freshmen—Cheng Yuntai realized his brother would not easily let this go.

Cheng Yuntai sighed and nodded at Wu Hao.

Wu Hao’s eyes darted; the silent exchange lasted only an instant. Upon receiving Cheng Yuntai’s signal, Wu Hao immediately put on a menacing expression.

"Chang Huailiang, is it? I know you are a prominent figure among this year's freshmen. I don’t want to bully the weak, so I advise you to mind your own business and avoid trouble. With your family background, you still have several years to spend here," Wu Hao advised with a feigned kindness.

Chang Huailiang laughed, unbothered. "I know you. You are Wu Hao, right? I heard you were quite well-known in your second year. Seeing you now, I am deeply disappointed. As a senior who has been here a year longer, in these times of national peril, you not only fail to strive for progress, but you also resort to bullying the weak. It is truly chilling."

Upon hearing this, Wu Hao was so angry he nearly choked. He never imagined that Chang Huailiang would be so eloquent; every word was sharp, piercing straight to the heart.

"Haha, I have long heard that the Chang family has an excellent reputation. Seeing you today, it is clearly true," a voice remarked. Cheng Yuntai appeared not far from the group, his wise eyes fixed on Chang Huailiang.

Chang Huailiang’s expression sharpened. He had actually noticed Cheng Yuntai in the pavilion earlier and was well aware of his reputation, feeling a measure of caution toward him. He bowed slightly to show respect. "Senior Cheng Yuntai, I dare not accept such high praise. You are the true dragon among men, a model for us all to follow."

Cheng Yuntai chuckled softly, thinking to himself that Chang Huailiang was indeed sharp-tongued; his words were so flattering that it would be difficult to hold a grudge against him.

"Enough, enough," Cheng Yuntai waved his hand, signaling Wu Hao not to harass Wang Xian and his group any further.

Cheng Yuntai turned to Wang Xian. "In terms of seniority, you and my brother are of the same generation, so I will act as an elder. Let me offer you a piece of advice: sometimes, bowing your head is more useful than holding it high. Whether you take that to heart is up to you. Let’s go."

With that, Cheng Yuntai led his group away. When Wang Xian and his companions finally gathered their wits to thank Chang Huailiang, they found that he had already departed.

The next day, Lei Zhentian’s "devil training" continued as usual. The members of the Tenth Squad were miserable. While other squads finished their training and hid in the shade to rest, only the Tenth Squad remained, running laps on the track under the scorching sun. According to Instructor Fang Lei, this was easy compared to what they had gone through back in his day; the current intensity was a mere piece of cake.

After dozens of laps, the Tenth Squad finally earned a break, collapsing onto the ground as if they had been skinned alive.

"Wang Xian, Ma Yuan, Hou Xinjie, come here," Fang Lei’s voice boomed like thunder in their ears just as they were settling down.

The three exchanged glances, unsure of why Fang Lei was calling them.

"He must know about last night," Wang Xian whispered to Ma Yuan and Hou Xinjie. "Don't say anything; I'll take the fall."

Ma Yuan’s brow furrowed. As a friend, he naturally wanted to share the burden, but deep down, he wanted to stay in the academy. For a brief moment, he felt an uncontrollable urge to distance himself from the whole affair.

"I heard you had a conflict with Wu Hao from the second year yesterday?" Fang Lei’s thunderous voice rang out as they arrived.

Wang Xian stammered nervously, "Instructor… Instructor Fang, the matter… the fault does not… does not lie with us…"

Before Wang Xian could finish, Fang Lei cut him off with a cold snort.

"You’re a disgrace to me! This is now, but if you still have this spineless attitude by graduation, don’t you dare tell anyone you trained under me. If you aren’t ashamed, I certainly am," Fang Lei scolded harshly.

The group was left stunned. They had expected Fang Lei to discipline them for the conflict, but it seemed he wasn't angry about the fight itself, but rather for an entirely different reason.