章 20: Second Fight
[Chapter 19 Comment]
[Adam_Balch_7324: So who's side does it count for in that case?]
"Please teach this unfilial student."
"!!!" Everyone on the field was shocked, never expecting Li Wei to bow and apologize to Theo.
Li Wei lowered his head, reminiscing about what had transpired the day before. He had waited in the hallway, observing as Maya and the others finished their consultation with Theo. Once they left, Li Wei gathered his resolve and made his way to the room.
Contrary to his expectations, Theo greeted him warmly with a smile. "What would you like to ask?"
"..." Li Wei hesitated for a moment before clasping his hands. "I apologize, Teacher. I don't mean to be disrespectful."
"It's alright. I understand your situation. As I mentioned before, if you have any concerns, feel free to talk to me."
Li Wei scratched his cheek lightly before continuing, "Actually, I feel a bit anxious. Despite maintaining a calm facade, I realize that I'm weaker than I thought. I went to Teacher Gareth seeking his guidance, and he has high expectations of me, offering many suggestions for improvement. However, the weight of those expectations began to burden me."
"Have you tried discussing this with him?" Theo inquired.
"I did ask him about it once, but he dismissed my concerns, showering me with praise instead. The more he praised me, the greater the expectations grew... It felt like I would be crushed under their weight."
"I see," Theo smiled. "Nevertheless, you possess strength, Li Wei."
"Huh?" Li Wei was perplexed, thinking that Theo was placing even more expectations on him.
However, Theo shook his head and clarified, "What I mean is that your heart is strong. Acknowledging the burden within and striving to overcome it takes great courage. You may consider it a weakness, but in my eyes, that weakness serves as a guide to becoming stronger and kinder than anyone else, as you've experienced it firsthand."
"This weakness guides me toward strength?" Li Wei pondered, contemplating Theo's words.
"Yes. Let me pose another question. How do you do your training usually? I'm not referring to the technical aspects, but rather the emotional aspect."
"I..." Li Wei contemplated. "Cultivation is a demanding path. If one becomes complacent, they risk stagnation. Therefore, I dedicate myself to training whenever I have the opportunity. My foundations, abilities, and achievements stem from the daily efforts I put into my practice. Those who perceive me as strong are unaware of the immense hard work I have invested."
"I understand your perspective," Theo acknowledged. He then added, "You harbor anxiety for the future while being entangled with the past. However, your true path lies in the present."
"Hmm?" Li Wei tilted his head, still somewhat confused. While not fully comprehending the message, he grasped the essence of it. "Are you suggesting that the worry about my future comes from the weight of expectations? And because others don't perceive the effort I've invested, it appears as if I'm fixated on the past?"
"Exactly. However, you've already stated that your foundation, abilities, and achievements are the direct result of your daily progress. Doesn't that imply that your accomplishments are simply the culmination of consistent effort?"
Li Wei contemplated for a moment, absorbing Theo's words.
Theo continued, "Consider this: when you eat or drink, you don't experience nervousness, correct?"
"Yes."
"Now, if I were to ask you to consume all the food in one minute or drink an entire basin within thirty seconds, would you become nervous?"
Li Wei nodded timidly. "I suppose so."
"That's it. It's because you excessively dwell on the past and future. The reason you don't feel nervous while eating or drinking is because you've grown accustomed to it through repetition. The same applies to your training. People hold high expectations for you, and that's inevitable. But if you view it differently, why should you concern yourself with those expectations?"
"Eh?" Li Wei raised his eyebrows, a realization dawning upon him.
Theo elaborated, "What about your training? Do you experience nervousness during practice?"
"No," Li Wei replied, starting to understand. "That's correct. If I approach it like my training, I won't feel nervous anymore. The source of my anxiety stems from attempting to surpass my own limitations. I know I am strong, and I can defeat my opponents under normal circumstances. That's all I need to know."
Li Wei fell into a momentary silence. Indeed, he trained diligently to reach his current level. Although Jayden proved to be a formidable opponent, Li Wei still believed he was not strong enough to defeat him. So why should he feel nervous? It was due to his fixation on external expectations. In the end, his goal was to emerge victorious, and this realization empowered him.
This realization paved the way for him to execute the sword technique that led to Jayden's defeat, even in his injured state. Li Wei had executed the technique countless times during his practice, making it second nature. Injured or not, he could replicate it in a real match.
Li Wei recollected this significant conversation with Theo and expressed his gratitude. Gareth might be a competent teacher, but his teaching methods were overly strict. In contrast, Theo believed in his students and possessed a deep understanding of their individual struggles. Even Jayden had experienced notable growth under Theo's guidance.
Li Wei politely clasped his hands and addressed Theo, "Teacher Theo, I hope you will continue to teach me and the others."
Lancelot's jaw dropped in astonishment, while Haruka frowned, contemplating, "Li Wei bowed to him instead of Teacher Gareth? Have we misjudged the situation?"
Unfortunately, the tranquility was short-lived as Gareth returned, exclaiming, "You... What do you think you're doing? I've taught you so much, and yet you bow to him!"
"Teacher Gareth, I'm grateful for your teachings. However, I believe that Teacher Theo is more suitable for our class. I dedicate this victory to Teacher Theo," Li Wei responded calmly.
"No! You're on my side, so I am the winner!" Gareth erupted, refusing to accept Li Wei's decision. He was determined to become the teacher of the S Class, after all.
"In that case, I forfeit the battle. Please declare Jayden as the winner," Li Wei declared.
"You!" Gareth clenched his teeth, his anger mounting. Although he wished to strike Li Wei, he refrained from doing so. "I've already announced the winner, and there's no going back. As a noble, I must stand by my decision!"
Li Wei bit his lip, while Theo placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "That's alright. There are still two more battles."
Li Wei felt overwhelmed by guilt. Theo was the one who truly deserved the victory, yet his actions had placed him on the verge of expulsion from the class.
"Don't worry about me. Instead, focus on your teammate," Theo directed Li Wei's attention toward Jayden on the field.
Serena had been diligently administering her potions to Jayden, closing his wounds completely. She had also made him consume a recovery potion. Sensing Theo's gaze, Serena waved, assuring him, "He should regain consciousness soon."
Theo nodded, snapping his fingers. "Now, for the second match..."
Before revealing the combatants, Haruka stepped forward, seeking an update on the current situation. She declared, "This time, I will fight."
Observing Haruka's determination, Oliver joined her on the field, stating, "I don't mind."
It appeared that both students had successfully shifted Gareth's attention from Li Wei to the upcoming match.
Gareth clicked his tongue in frustration but had no choice but to comply and step back. He was already infuriated with Li Wei, and now he glared at Haruka, silently urging her to crush her opponent.
Haruka swallowed nervously, feeling the weight of Gareth's gaze. She was overcome with intense pressure. Meanwhile, Oliver had resolved his inner turmoil and gained newfound confidence.
"I will fight to the best of my ability. For the sake of Teacher Theo, I will defeat you," Oliver nodded respectfully to Haruka.
Haruka remained silent, overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation. On the other hand, Oliver retrieved a pistol and a flash grenade.
"Let the match begin!"
Haruka swiftly activated the talisman on her right hand, tossing it forward. "Activate, Five Star Seal."
The talisman emitted a vibrant, rainbow-colored essence, forming a star symbol within a circle.
Oliver aimed his gun at Haruka, firing at the star.
Bang! Bang!
To everyone's surprise, the star symbol effectively blocked the bullets without showing any signs of damage.
Realizing the futility, Oliver attempted to sidestep, aiming for an exposed area. However, the star symbol floated near Haruka, acting as a shield. She even expanded its size to prevent Oliver from targeting her head or feet, rendering her invulnerable.
Oliver then threw his flash grenade, causing Haruka to shield her eyes. Simultaneously, she activated the talisman on her other hand, forming a spherical barrier that isolated her from the surroundings. The barrier protected her eardrums from the deafening explosion.
However, Oliver's earlier shots had effectively distracted Haruka, allowing him to switch the flash grenade with an explosive one.
Boom!
The explosion enveloped Haruka, kicking up a cloud of dust that shrouded her.
Once the dust settled, Haruka emerged unscathed. However, the star symbol displayed cracks all over its surface.
With just two more shots, the symbol shattered completely.
"Tsk," Haruka hurriedly tossed another talisman forward. "Great Five Elements, Water Vanquish Fire."
From the talisman, a majestic wave surged forth, threatening to flood the arena. It was an attempt to halt Oliver's advances.
However, Oliver had anticipated such a move. He retrieved another item from his inventory—a large metal box resembling a safety deposit box. It was sturdy and heavy enough to counteract the incoming wave. Oliver stood atop the box, safe from the rushing water.
"Great Five Elements, Water brings life to wood!" Haruka activated yet another talisman.
The talisman absorbed the water, causing vines to sprout from the ground and reach out towards Oliver.
Unperturbed, Oliver leaped above Haruka, pistol in hand. Haruka appeared confident that her spherical barrier would stop the bullet.
But Oliver had altered his strategy.
"Let's do this!" Oliver smirked, recalling Theo's lesson. He no longer felt ashamed of utilizing the financial resources provided by his parents.
Instead of another grenade, he revealed something far more astonishing—a real truck. "Try to withstand it!"
"!!!" Haruka's jaw dropped in disbelief as she hastily moved out of harm's way. However, a section of her barrier was struck by the descending truck. The sheer weight and momentum shattered the barrier entirely.
"Aaaaahhh!" Haruka fell to the ground, witnessing Oliver's successful landing. He pointed his gun at her, an ominous smile gracing his face.
"Tsk." Haruka clapped her hands, utilizing pure essence to form a star symbol. However, since it wasn't created through a talisman, its power was significantly diminished.
Crack!
A single bullet cracked the weakened barrier, leading Haruka to realize that the current Oliver surpassed her expectations. She stared at Oliver's malevolent grin, curious about what absurdity he would unleash next.
"As I mentioned earlier, I'm going to defeat you. Prepare to experience the power of wealth."
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