Chapter 24: Fang Lei’s Philosophy of Life

Fang Lei did not notice the blank expressions on the faces of the group and continued his lecture, lost in his own tirade. Those familiar with Fang Lei knew that beneath his sharp, biting tongue lay a heart of gold. He was harsh and acerbic in his criticism, but he was inherently kind, treating both his students and colleagues with genuine care.

He had been at Huali Military Academy for a long time, yet he had never climbed the ranks—partly due to his volatile temper, and partly because he simply had no desire to compete for status. Fang Lei lived only to teach; he remained indifferent to all other matters. Even if someone were out to sabotage him, he would not care in the least, as long as his students were thriving. Satisfied by that, he was content. However, this very fiery temper had earned him many enemies within the academy. Many waited eagerly for a chance to seize upon any mistake and drive him out of the institution.

The three students stood there, enduring his lecture without a hint of defiance. Not daring to breathe too loudly, they listened in silence, hoping he would eventually grow tired and stop.

"Enough, enough. Regardless of anything else, if you encounter this Cheng Yuntai again and find yourselves in a position of advantage, do not you dare act like cowards. Beat him to a pulp. If any consequences arise afterward, I will take the blame." Fang Lei smacked his lips, his tone flat and indifferent, as if the academy’s rules and regulations meant nothing to him.

Ma Yuan and the other two nodded vigorously, like chickens pecking at rice. With Fang Lei’s words, they realized that from this day forward, they could act with impunity within Huali Military Academy.

After leaving Fang Lei, the group was pulled aside by Tian Su.

"Tian Su, what is with all the secrecy?" Wang Xian asked as they stood in a shaded corner of the academy.

Tian Su stole a cautious glance around to ensure they were alone before letting out a sigh of relief.

"Listen, I called you over because I did some digging. It turns out that Li Xiangyuan, who shares our dormitory, is a follower of Cheng Yuntai. We need to be careful. He is usually so quiet; I never expected him to be such a treacherous character."

Wang Xian, Ma Yuan, and Hou Xinjie were speechless with shock. They had never imagined that the reticent Li Xiangyuan was a lackey for Cheng Yuntai.

Ma Yuan’s mind raced; if that was the case, yesterday’s incident might have been premeditated by Cheng Yuntai. The thought sent a chill down his spine.

"Also, I asked around among the second-year students. You all, especially you, Wang Xian, need to be wary of Cheng Yuntai. He has been at the academy for three years and is a standout among the third-year class. There are even rumors among the senior staff that once he graduates and enters the military, he will be at least a regimental-level officer. You can imagine his influence here," Tian Su said, his expression grave. "I verified this with some classmates I used to know."

Wang Xian’s face darkened upon hearing this. Unlike Ma Yuan, Hou Xinjie, or Tian Su, he was acutely aware of the bitter feud between the Cheng family and the Wang family. With the Wang family recently seeking new allies, they were now firmly in the Cheng family's crosshairs. He had inquired about Cheng Yuntai before arriving, but it seemed the reality in the academy far exceeded the rumors outside; Cheng Yuntai’s influence ran deep.

"Don't worry, though," Tian Su said, sensing the tension and forcing a laugh to lighten the mood. "Even if Cheng Yuntai is powerful, as long as we act with caution and don't provoke him, he won't bother us."

Ma Yuan patted Wang Xian on the shoulder. "Don't worry too much. As the saying goes, soldiers block and water covers. If Cheng Yuntai and Cheng Yunfeng dare to come for us, we won't be easy targets. You still have the two of us."

Hou Xinjie, usually the joker of the group, also patted Wang Xian’s other shoulder in comfort. Being the sole heir to the third generation of the Wang family of Gao City, Wang Xian quickly recovered his composure.

Tian Su suddenly tapped his head, remembering something else. "I heard this morning that you were taken away by Lei Zhentian. I was worried he would ruin you, but it seems I was overthinking it."

"Let me tell you, Lei Zhentian’s temper is notoriously difficult. You are the first ones I’ve seen come out of his office in one piece." Tian Su gave them a thumbs-up; having moved up from the second year, he understood Fang Lei well. "But despite his temper, he teaches us everything he knows. He isn't like some instructors who hold back information for fear of being surpassed."

"Lei Zhentian isn't like that. While he scolds us, he also imparts life lessons. He shares his experiences, and most importantly, he is incredibly protective. Whether it’s our mistake or someone else’s, he never lets his students suffer." Tian Su spoke at length about Fang Lei.

After hearing this, Ma Yuan and the others couldn't agree more. They had seen for themselves during the scolding that Fang Lei was indeed fiercely protective and highly concerned with his reputation.

"Tian Su, thank you for providing us with all this information. We will definitely be more careful from now on," Wang Xian said, his gaze regaining its sharp, piercing intensity.

Over the next few days, Cheng Yuntai did not send anyone to harass them—partly due to the approaching freshman examinations, and partly because the third-year curriculum was keeping him exceptionally busy.

Under Fang Lei’s grueling training, the Tenth Platoon saw rapid improvements in both speed and quality. Days slipped by, and soon the time for the freshman examinations arrived.

The examinations were to take place in two days, and the details had already been distributed to the freshmen. Everyone now understood why only about two hundred would pass. This year’s examination was different; unlike previous years, which were held within the academy, this one would be conducted at the former imperial palace in Yuanzhou City.

For the freshmen, this was an unprecedented challenge. Not only was the acceptance rate lower, but the difficulty had increased significantly. This year’s examination was truly a test of excellence, a selection of one in a hundred.