The battle had finally ended, the echoes of clashing techniques and the murmur of students still lingering faintly in the air. Guan Fang walked steadily toward Hong Li, who was crouched down, supporting the battered Zhao Xiong to his feet. Guan Fang's voice was calm but carried an edge of authority as he declared, "Mr. Hong Li, according to the agreement, Zhao Xiong has lost the battle and will be suspended from the academy for one year."
Hong Li's jaw tightened, his teeth gritting as his brows furrowed. He turned sharply toward Guan Fang, his tone laced with warning. "You should understand, Guan Fang, that you are stirring a hornet's nest. To meddle with the Zhao Clan is no small matter. If we suspend Zhao Xiong for one year from the academy, do you think his father—Holy Lord Zhao Hai—will let it go so easily?"
The name struck the crowd like thunder. Guan Fang himself was startled for a moment before responding, "Zhao Hai, one of the five elders of the Zhao Clan…" His eyes narrowed as he thought aloud. "I know he is a Holy Lord—no, rank seventy-nine, at the very peak of Holy Lord, and indeed a powerful man. But no matter his strength, he cannot touch the academy."
Hong Li's annoyance grew deeper. He let out a sharp breath and his lips pulled into a sneer. With a cold tone he said slowly, "We shall see what happens soon enough."
At that moment, Zhao Xiong, his body aching and his hand fractured, looked up and saw Zhen approaching him with measured steps. A flicker of fear spread across his face. "Wh…what d-do you want now?" he stammered, his voice trembling.
But Zhen's expression was unexpectedly gentle. He offered a small, calm smile. "Zhao Xiong, I never hated you. I only want to tell you one thing." His voice was soft, but every word seemed to weigh heavily in the silence of the arena. "My teacher once taught me that people strive to become strong in many ways. But the best way is to protect and to love. If you become someone like that, then maybe… we can be friends."
Gasps rippled through the audience. Students and teachers alike exchanged stunned glances. Even Guan Fang and Hong Li were taken aback by the sincerity of Zhen's words. Zhao Xiong's lips trembled; though he said nothing, his eyes shimmered with tears he quickly tried to conceal. Turning his head away, he muttered under his breath, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I will try to change myself."
Guan Fang's stern face softened, a rare pride gleaming in his eyes. "You have such a kind heart, Zhen."
Zhen flushed faintly, a shy smile rising on his face. But before he could respond, Lei Wei, Gu Naer, Shi Feng, Bing Xueer, and Yu Xiatao ran to him, leaping forward and shouting together, "ZHENNNN!" They embraced him tightly in a group hug, their laughter filling the air. The once-tense atmosphere of Class 2 melted into warmth and joy, the students cheering with genuine delight.
"Alright, enough," Guan Fang finally said with a smile. "Let's return to class."
The students all nodded with big smiles, their voices loud and full of joy. For the first time in many days, they felt no fear, no fighting, no distance between them—only the simple happiness of being together as one group.
Meanwhile, Hong Li silently supported Zhao Xiong as they departed, heading toward the Zhao Clan's grand estate. The young master's voice was low but firm. "Head teacher, please don't say anything to Father. I will speak for myself."
Hong Li gave no reply, though his heart was troubled.
The Zhao Clan's compound soon rose before them—vast, majestic, and fortified with a grandeur that rivaled noble palaces, though still dwarfed by the sheer expanse of the academy. Servants and guards bowed respectfully upon their arrival. "Young master Xiong has returned," they whispered amongst themselves. When they noticed his fractured hand and battered figure, expressions of shock and concern spread quickly. Murmurs followed them as they entered deeper into the estate.
Inside, Hong Li and Zhao Xiong made their way to Zhao Hai's personal palace. The imposing structure was surrounded by burning lamps and scarlet banners marked with flame symbols, radiating an aura of both reverence and intimidation. At the entrance, a servant stepped forward, eyes widening. "Young master, why are you injured like this?"
Hong Li, not wanting to waste time, asked curtly, "Can we meet Elder Hai?" The servant bowed quickly and guided them into the inner sanctum.
Within, the atmosphere shifted. The air was thick, carrying the faint scent of smoke and ash. They soon found Zhao Hai seated cross-legged in meditation. Despite appearing no older than thirty, his presence radiated power and authority, as though the flames of the world bent to his will. His eyes were closed, his breathing calm, his entire being an embodiment of dominance.
The servant bowed deeply. "Elder Hai, your son Zhao Xiong has come."
Slowly, Zhao Hai released his hand seal, the flames around him flickering before dimming. The servant, recognizing the signal, withdrew silently, leaving the father and son alone with Hong Li.
"Father," Zhao Xiong began, lowering his head, his voice steady despite his injuries. "I have been suspended from the academy for one year. It was my fault entirely. I was arrogant and reckless. I truly understood my mistake and accept the punishment."
Hong Li's eyes widened in disbelief. Never had he imagined that the once-arrogant Zhao Xiong would speak with such humility and self-awareness. He thought to himself, Could this be because of Lan Zhen? Has that boy truly changed him?
Zhao Hai's eyes opened. Instantly, the temperature of the room rose sharply, a suffocating heat pressing down on both Hong Li and Zhao Xiong. It was as though fire itself roared in submission to his will. Hong Li felt sweat bead across his brow as he quickly lowered his head in respect. "Greetings, Holy Lord Zhao Hai. I am Hong Li, Zhao Xiong's head teacher at the academy."
Zhao Hai's voice was deep, calm, and dangerous. "Who broke your hand, Xiong?"
The suffocating aura intensified, making it difficult to breathe. Zhao Xiong swallowed hard before answering quickly, "Father, please calm yourself. It was my fault, and because of that, I received this punishment. In this year, I will recover and return to the academy stronger than before."
But Zhao Hai's expression remained unreadable. His gaze sharpened, flames flickering faintly in his pupils. His tone dropped lower, each word a spark threatening to ignite an inferno. "I think you did not understand my question, Xiong. I asked…" He leaned forward slightly, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "…who did this to you?"