Volume One, Chapter 17: The Conspiracy Unveiled, Turmoil Rekindled at Yun City Academy

After entering the auditorium, Liu He stepped forward and whispered close to Lu Caiyuan’s ear, “There’s one thing we must be cautious about. Kong Xiangrui and Lu Tianpeng may still be unaware that their plan has been uncovered. We need to use this opportunity to expose their true nature.”

Lu Caiyuan nodded, a fierce light flickering in his eyes. “I understand. They will pay the price for their actions.”

With that, he walked to the podium and looked at each student present, taking a slight breath.

“Students, today I stand before you not only to share the future of our academy but also to unveil some hidden conspiracies.”

Lu Caiyuan’s voice was steady, sharp as a sword piercing the heart. “During the recent Martial Arts Tournament, certain individuals infiltrated our academy, attempting to undermine our pride.”

As he spoke, unrest stirred among the audience, whispers spreading as eyes occasionally darted toward a shadowy corner backstage.

“Teacher Liu He, please come forward and share the details with everyone.”

Lu Caiyuan gestured for Liu He to take the stage.

Liu He smiled faintly as he stepped up. “Thank you, Principal Lu, for this opportunity. The truth is, during the Martial Arts Tournament, Kong Xiangrui and Lu Tianpeng deliberately orchestrated schemes to exploit the chaos for personal gain.”

His words struck with undeniable force, causing an uproar below. All eyes fixed on Kong Xiangrui and Lu Tianpeng.

Nearby, their faces suddenly paled, realizing their tactics had been exposed.

Liu He continued, “Rest assured, the academy will never tolerate betrayal. Together with Principal Lu, we will investigate this matter to the very end.”

At these words, thunderous applause filled the hall. Students voiced their support for the principal’s decision, with several standing up, pledging their support.

After the gathering ended, Lu Caiyuan and Liu He walked side by side out of the auditorium, gazing toward the distant city.

Bathed in the afterglow, their figures appeared especially tall and commanding.

“Principal Lu, this is only the beginning. Many more challenges await us,” Liu He said slowly, his tone steady and confident.

“Indeed, but we are no longer alone. The future of the academy lies in our own hands,” Lu Caiyuan responded with a smile, his gaze as firm as iron.

In this ever-changing world of martial arts, they stood at a new starting point, awaiting the dawn of a new glory.

---

At the freshman orientation of Yun City Academy, the venue buzzed with excitement. Over a thousand new students gathered, eyes full of anticipation as the academy’s introduction played on a giant screen.

The rows of seats were nearly full, the atmosphere quietly charged with excitement and curiosity.

At the center of the stage, Principal Lu Caiyuan, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, smiled as he adjusted the microphone.

“Welcome to Yun City Academy!”

His voice, amplified by the sound system, reached every corner of the hall. A warm smile adorned his face. “I believe this marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives.”

He scanned the audience, pleased to see the eager expressions on each student’s face.

“Our academy consists of four major divisions: the Combat Division, Weaponry Division, Alchemy Division, and Tactics Division. Each has its own unique character.”

Lu Caiyuan paused slightly. “For those who wish to face challenges head-on, who seek honor through blood and sweat, the Combat Division is your destined place!”

Applause erupted from the crowd, many freshmen clearly moved by these words.

With humor and vivid metaphors, Lu Caiyuan introduced the other divisions, eliciting laughter and creating a relaxed, joyful atmosphere throughout the hall.

Then Liu He stepped onto the stage.

He nodded slightly, and the room gradually quieted.

“Hello, everyone. I am Liu He, a teacher in the Combat Division.”

His voice was gentle yet resolute. “Like many of you, I once stood at a crossroads, filled with anticipation for the unknown. Trust me, the Combat Division is the cradle for warriors like you!”

His words fell like spring rain, easing the freshmen’s anxieties and filling them with determination and hope.

Especially Kong Tianhao in the audience, whose eyes gleamed with resolve as he silently decided to join the Combat Division.

The ceremony ended amid enthusiastic applause.

Students began to leave the venue, some discussing their choice of divisions, others eager to begin their training.

As the hall quieted, Liu He and Lu Caiyuan exited together, walking down the academy’s corridor toward the administration building.

Their shadows stretched long in the setting sun.

“Teacher Liu, you did well today,” Lu Caiyuan said with a smile, full of trust in his capable assistant. “You inspired the freshmen.”

“Principal Lu, we are all striving for the same goal. I only did what was necessary,” Liu He replied firmly. “Believe in these young people—they will exceed our expectations.”

Their conversation brimmed with hope for the future.

Though they knew countless challenges lay ahead, they understood the academy’s prospects would shine ever brighter because of these dream-filled newcomers.

Liu He walked along a campus path, carrying a delicately crafted wooden box containing a carefully chosen gift for Principal Lu.

A gentle breeze stirred the leaves, swaying softly in the sunlight as if welcoming him back.

Though time had passed, the campus remained unchanged, still filled with youthful vitality and familiar memories.

Following the familiar path, Liu He arrived at the principal’s office and gently knocked.

---

The door opened, and Principal Lu Caiyuan looked up, eyes bright with surprise. “Liu He, long time no see.”

His tone carried warmth and pride.

Liu He stepped inside, presenting the wooden box. “Principal, this is a small token of appreciation for your encouragement and guidance back then.”

Lu Caiyuan accepted the gift, patting Liu He’s shoulder with some emotion. “You are already far stronger than I was at your age. I’ve heard you’re doing well at Yun City Academy. I’m very proud of you.”

Liu He smiled slightly but soon noticed the piles of documents on the desk and the principal’s weary expression.

“Principal, is there something troubling you?”

Lu Caiyuan sighed. “The Education Department recently implemented new policies, and the reforms are a bit complicated, especially with Han Kun. That man always finds some excuse to make things difficult.”

Upon hearing the name “Han Kun,” Liu He’s brow furrowed slightly.

He knew Han Kun was selfish and not an easy opponent.

“Principal, rest assured, I will do my utmost to assist you.”

“I believe in you,” Lu Caiyuan said with relief, his eyes full of expectation and trust.

Leaving the principal’s office, Liu He walked through the campus, already formulating plans.

He pondered how to use his unique abilities to counter Han Kun’s schemes when the time was right.

His return to his alma mater was not only a gesture of gratitude but also the start of a new challenge.

As the sun set, the campus grew peaceful, but within Liu He, a silent power gathered strength.

He knew it would be by his own hand that Yun City Academy’s future brilliance would be ignited.

Exiting the principal’s office, Liu He contemplated his next step.

He understood that Han Kun was a formidable adversary and had to be approached cautiously.

But for now, the priority was to demonstrate his value to the academy’s teachers and students alike.