Volume One, Chapter Sixteen: Rebirth and Return—The Turmoil of the Martial Arts Tournament

After the battle, the sky gradually darkened, leaving only the sound of the wind and a few rustling footsteps across the barren land.

Liu He pressed forward with effort, having endured more than twenty days on this battlefield, ravaged beyond recognition by conflict.

Exhausted and slightly panting, he heard the system’s prompt echoing in his mind: “Mission accomplished. Reward: Flame Edge.”

He gently clenched his hand, and a blade shimmering like fireworks materialized instantly.

The Flame Edge was light and warm, a stark contrast to the fatigue that had accompanied him all along.

A faint smile involuntarily curved his lips, as if the perseverance of these past days had made everything worthwhile.

“Not bad at all,” Liu He whispered softly, his heart filled with hope for his imminent return to the real world.

At the edge of the wasteland stood a peculiar device, silently awaiting Liu He’s arrival.

This was his only gateway back to reality.

Approaching the device, he studied it carefully.

Having fought and cleared hostile forces many times, he was by now well-versed in operating these mechanisms.

“Farewell, battlefield,” he murmured while inputting the password, feeling a mixture of reluctance and fulfillment inside.

A dazzling flash of light followed, and Liu He stepped once again into the real world.

He drew a deep breath, embracing the long-lost tranquility and safety.

Though still adjusting to his newfound powers, his entire being had been revitalized by enhanced physique and martial arts training.

At that moment, Kong Xiangrui, Lu Caiyuan, and other allies had already been waiting nearby.

Their excitement at Liu He’s return was palpable, mingled with some confusion and surprise.

“Liu He!” Kong Xiangrui was the first to approach, his gaze brimming with pride and relief.

“You did it.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t easy,” Liu He replied with a knowing smile, patting his shoulder.

“This journey has brought many gains.”

Lu Caiyuan stood aside, observing Liu He with keen interest.

“Xiao Liu, after this turmoil, our academy is bound to undergo major changes.”

“We’ll need to plan for the future,” he added.

Liu He nodded, aware that his responsibilities had not lessened, but he was fully prepared.

In the days that followed, they collaborated on designing new curricula, sharing combat insights, and driving reforms throughout the academy.

Facing new challenges, Liu He vowed to continue harnessing his system’s ability to refresh attributes, exploring fresh possibilities in the martial world, and leading those around him toward a brighter future.

At Yun City Academy’s training ground, morning mist swirled like delicate veils, casting an air of mystery.

Liu He strode across the spacious grounds, drawing the curious gazes of students and instructors alike.

His figure stood tall in the dawn light, radiating an undeniable aura of authority.

“Have you heard? Teacher Liu has the attribute-refreshing system!” a student whispered excitedly to a companion.

“Yeah, they say his combat prowess is unmatched. This martial arts tournament must be to test his progress.”

Liu He slightly tilted his head, smiling softly.

He knew he had become a hot topic within the academy, and the mixture of curiosity and expectation weighed heavily upon him.

Just then, Lu Caiyuan began his announcement, revealing the upcoming martial arts tournament:

“We need an opportunity to test the academy’s overall strength. It’s time for everyone to witness the changes Liu He has brought.”

His tone was calm but carried a thread of seriousness and resolve.

Yet Liu He’s mind was not fully on the approaching tournament, noticing Kong Xiangrui frowning deeply as he stared at his phone.

“Xiangrui, what’s wrong?” Liu He stopped beside him, asking quietly.

Kong Xiangrui looked up, unease evident in his voice: “I’ve received information suggesting hostile forces may be active within the academy. We must be extra vigilant.”

Liu He’s eyes narrowed slightly, a wave of apprehension crossing his mind. “Looks like we need to prepare ahead.”

Meanwhile, Lu Caiyuan met with Han Kun in the hall.

Han Kun wore a cryptic smile, as if seeing through everything.

“Principal Lu, I heard your academy is holding a martial arts tournament. I must come and see for myself.”

Han Kun’s tone stirred a flicker of displeasure in Lu Caiyuan.

“Welcome,” Lu Caiyuan replied coolly, though his guard was fully raised.

The competition proceeded as scheduled. However, during a fierce duel, Lu Caiyuan was struck by a sudden attack and fell heavily.

The crowd erupted in shock, while Kong Xiangrui and Lu Tianpeng quickly melted back into the throng, their faces alight with triumph.

In agony, Lu Caiyuan’s consciousness wavered as he sensed a new power emerging within his spiritual sea—a mysterious black orb radiating a chilling light.

It seemed to convey a legacy from another world, infusing new hope into his heart shattered by betrayal.

“I will never concede easily.”

Clenching his fist, Lu Caiyuan endured the pain, feeling a strength coursing through him stronger than ever before.

He seemed reborn, a blazing fire of vengeance kindling in his eyes.

Throughout Yun City, the fluctuations of spiritual energy grew increasingly pronounced.

This provided Liu He and his companions unprecedented opportunities for cultivation.

Inwardly, Liu He resolved that this time, it was not just for the tournament, but also for the academy and those around him—to suppress every looming threat.

On a warm and sunny afternoon, Liu He stood shoulder to shoulder with Lu Caiyuan, facing the many challenges ahead.

“We will win, won’t we?” Lu Caiyuan asked thoughtfully.

“Of course,” Liu He replied firmly, “Together we embrace a more glorious future.”

In the tranquil campus, Lu Caiyuan returned to Yun City Academy.

Sunlight poured over his shoulders, cloaking him in golden light. The students’ whispers gradually ceased, all eyes turning respectfully and expectantly toward him.

Time seemed to pause in that moment.

“Did you hear? Principal Lu is incredible—he fought back even in such dire straits!” a student whispered to a peer.

“Yeah, standing up after being knocked down at the tournament is truly admirable,” another agreed.

Lu Caiyuan smiled faintly, warmth swelling within.

Feeling the students’ hopeful gazes, he straightened his posture and strode forward.

Glancing at Liu He beside him, Lu Caiyuan quietly said, “Thank you, Liu He. Without your help, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Liu He patted his shoulder. “Principal Lu, don’t say that. Without your resilience and courage, none of this would mean anything.”

His face beamed with confident, radiant smiles. “We’ll face the coming challenges together.”

The two walked through the crowd and entered the academy’s auditorium.

Today was an important student gathering; many had arrived early, awaiting Lu Caiyuan’s speech.

They knew this was more than a routine principal’s address—it was a pivotal moment for Lu Caiyuan to reestablish his authority and reveal hidden truths.