Chapter 331: Zhao Longtu's Past, Teacher Xue, So You Play... (4K)

Chapter 331: Zhao Longtu's Past, Teacher Xue, So You Play... (4K)



Inside the office, Zhao Longtu sat on the sofa, silent and unmoving.

He stared at Xue Jing, who was sitting at the desk flipping through documents, and at Cao Sinian and Ning Yuantai standing on either side like gatekeepers. His gaze lingered a little longer on Cao Sinian.

Even now, he was still perplexed as to how this person could have learned such an absurd and extreme killing technique.

It made no sense at all... It completely shattered his understanding of martial arts.

Zhao Longtu no longer attempted to escape. He knew that in the face of the terrifying strength of the man named Xue Jing, since the other party wanted him to stay, all his struggles would be in vain.

The two had an absolute disparity in martial power, surpassing the level of 'maybe able to counterattack with good luck, good performance, and various coincidences' and reaching the point of 'absolutely no chance of winning'.

Thus, Zhao Longtu could only grit his teeth and put on a determined expression as if he would rather die than yield. He had made up his mind that no matter what Xue Jing wanted him to do, he wouldn't cooperate.

"Student Zhao," Xue Jing said, putting down the documents in his hand and looking at Zhao Longtu.

Zhao Longtu closed his eyes and turned his head away, appearing as if he didn't want to listen to anything.

Xue Jing didn't seem to mind and continued, "I'm not an education or psychology expert, so I can't, and I don't intend to, solve your psychological issues. Even if I wanted to, it's unlikely that I could do so in such a short time."

"Therefore, I won't try to manipulate you with teacher-student sentiment or emotional blackmail. Let's make a deal like dirty adults, purely based on mutual benefit, shall we?" Xue Jing smiled.

Before this, Xue Jing had thoroughly reviewed Zhao Longtu's records.

Compared to He Han, who attended the same middle school as Zhao Longtu, the information from Zhi Ge Base was much more comprehensive. They had investigated the incident from start to finish, organized the files in order, and provided them to Xue Jing for review.

About six years ago, at the age of eleven, Zhao Longtu entered the prestigious Yan Gang Middle School in Silver City through the elementary school entrance examination.

As an orphan, Zhao Longtu had not received systematic martial arts training from a young age, but living in the Seventh Metropolitan Circle, he had picked up some skills through observation and imitation. After entering middle school, his extraordinary martial talent was immediately noticed by his homeroom teacher, Yao Yushan.

Yao Yushan seemed to cherish Zhao Longtu's talent and took him under his wing, not only inviting him to live in his home but also arranging for him to train at the renowned Zhenxing Martial Arts Dojo. He nurtured Zhao Longtu with great care.

The relationship between the two gradually became like that of a father and son, and Zhao Longtu, being an orphan, respected and adored Yao Yushan as if he were his own father.

... However, the reality was different from what Zhao Longtu had imagined at the time.

Xue Jing's fingers traced the surface of the document in front of him, which was a printed photo of Zhao Longtu from his middle school days.

His features were delicate and gentle, even beautiful, fitting the description of 'fair-skinned and handsome'. He was the type of good-looking young man that could make older women scream in admiration.

This was a stark contrast to his current appearance, which resembled that of a hardened criminal just released from prison.

Zhao Longtu gradually sensed something amiss in the details of his daily life and eventually discovered Yao Yushan's true intentions, which disgusted him to the point of vomiting.

As an orphan, Zhao Longtu had no parents to turn to, so he sought help from other teachers in the school. Some believed that Yao Yushan, being a family man with a harmonious home life and two children, couldn't possibly have any inappropriate intentions towards Zhao Longtu. Others, who were in cahoots with Yao Yushan, would dismiss Zhao Longtu's concerns even if they knew the truth, claiming that he was overthinking things.

A few teachers who were more conscientious and took such matters seriously also observed the situation for a while but found no evidence, concluding that Zhao Longtu was simply being paranoid.

As time went on, Yao Yushan became increasingly brazen, and Zhao Longtu was left with no choice but to endure. When he finally resisted, Yao Yushan struck him on the head with a blunt object, leaving a deep dent in his eyebrow.

In the end, Zhao Longtu could only rely on his limited martial power to retaliate against the man he once considered a father.

The authorities intervened and, after a thorough investigation, the school finally uncovered this heinous incident.

Naturally, the school wanted to suppress the matter and prevent it from becoming public knowledge, as it would deal a devastating blow to Yan Gang Middle School's reputation.

Teachers, school leaders, and the principal all sought out Zhao Longtu for private conversations.

In his speech, Zhao Longtu continuously mentioned phrases like "after all, we were once teacher and student," engaging in moral blackmail. This left Zhao Longtu utterly disillusioned with the teaching profession.

...

"A dirty adult deal?" Zhao Longtu glanced at Sch Jing.

Sch Jing nodded with a smile, "Yes... it's a pure exchange of interests, not involving any other issues."

Zhao Longtu contemplated for a moment, feeling that he could probably accept it, and nodded, "What kind of deal is it?"

Sch Jing placed her elbows on the table, supporting her chin with her interlaced hands, assuming the posture of a commander, "You've already experienced it yourself. Isn't my student, Cao Sinian's 'Serious Punch,' very powerful?"

Standing beside her, Cao Sinian's heart skipped a beat at the words 'my student, Cao Sinian.' She felt a bit weak in the knees.

Sweat beaded on her forehead, and she thought to herself, "Sch Jing... doesn't understand the weight of his words."

If it were Ye Jingqiu or any other female classmate, who knows what unnecessary thoughts they might have after hearing such words.

Fortunately, she could handle it.

"It's very powerful, extremely powerful. I can't compare at all," Zhao Longtu said, nodding solemnly.

Sch Jing smiled lightly, "I taught her this move just at noon today."

"From the time she started learning to the moment she mastered it, it took less than a few minutes."

Zhao Longtu frowned immediately, "How is that possible?"

For a move of this caliber, even if it were explained in the finest detail and all its principles and training methods were laid out before him, Zhao Longtu wouldn't have the confidence to master it in just a few years.

This wasn't a matter of time but a problem of insufficient cultivation level.

It's like trying to understand advanced math without even knowing basic arithmetic; no amount of detailed explanation would help.

"It's true," Cao Sinian said calmly.

"Don't call something impossible just because you can't do it. The world isn't based on your imagination; there are many things beyond your understanding. Sch Jing is a person who surpasses your narrow comprehension."

Zhao Longtu looked pensive, "So, it's my problem?"

He quickly nodded, "I understand. I believe you can do it."

Cao Sinian was a bit surprised.

This person's demeanor... was much grander than she had imagined?

Cao Sinian shook her head.

No, he was just stupidly clear-headed.

Recalling the scene of He Han saying whatever he wanted and Zhao Longtu believing it, Cao Sinian's lips twitched.

Sch Jing nodded, "Since you understand, let's talk about the deal."

"During the martial arts exam, including the three days of training and the seven days of testing, I will teach you many martial arts techniques, just like how I taught the other students the 'Serious Punch.' This will greatly improve your strength."

"In return, you must give your all during the exam, cooperating fully with me and the other students to achieve excellent results in the end."

"...Well, isn't this deal very favorable for you?"

Zhao Longtu's face showed confusion after hearing this:

"Is that all...?"

He struggled to understand.

Teaching someone the 'Serious Punch' in just a few minutes, the quality of such instruction alone, not to mention anything else, was enough to make countless people break their heads and kneel before Sch Jing, offering a hefty price to learn it.

Not to mention the subsequent ten days, who knows how much more they could learn.

Such a great deal, or even a great opportunity, was something countless cultivators might not encounter in several lifetimes. All they had to do was cooperate during the martial arts exam? The scales of this deal were far too unbalanced.

"From your perspective, this may be a difficult thing to understand," Sch Jing smiled.

"Rest assured, the deal between us is equal and fair. There's no situation where you're taking advantage. You don't need to feel emotionally burdened."

Zhao Longtu shook his head, "I don't understand."

Sch Jing tapped the table with his index finger, "The logic is simple."

"In this world, the value of all external things is assigned by humans from their own perspective."

"For example, if everyone didn't recognize the value of 'money,' then 'money' itself would be worthless."

"In your eyes, my teaching you martial arts and helping you improve your strength is a huge benefit for you, and I'm giving too much. But that's not the case."

Sch Jing spoke calmly, "Helping you improve your strength is a mere wave of my hand, a trivial matter for me.

"It's like a billionaire taking an interest in a beggar's stone, willing to pay ten thousand for it. To the billionaire, this is a mere pittance, like a hair from nine cows. But to the beggar, it's a fortune."

"And now, you've picked up this stone."

"Don't worry or feel guilty about this unexpected windfall. Our transaction is a fair exchange of interests, and no one owes anyone."

Zhao Longtu seemed to understand, nodding in realization.

Ning Yuantai and Cao Sini, standing nearby, twitched their lips, thinking, 'No, you don't understand at all...'

While Sch Jing himself might genuinely believe this, thinking he had merely let something slip through his fingers, the two bystanders were well aware of the magnitude of this opportunity for Zhao Longtu. It could be considered a life-changing, heaven-sent blessing, and even a great opportunity that would alter his fate.

Especially Ning Yuantai, who knew that the most crucial part was not the powerful martial arts Sch Jing taught Zhao Longtu or the significant improvement in his strength...

The most critical aspect was that from that moment on, the person standing before them had established a 'teacher-student relationship' with Sch Jing! No one could be more convinced that this man would become a great figure in the future.

The fact that they had a teacher-student relationship with Sch Jing represented an immense and terrifying advantage. Even Ning Yuantai, who believed he firmly held the position of Sch Jing's top disciple, couldn't help but feel envious, even jealous.

'Do fools have foolish luck?' Ning Yuantai and Cao Sini thought simultaneously.

"So, do you agree to this transaction?" Sch Jing asked.

Zhao Longtu stood up and nodded, "I agree..."

His fierce face showed a hint of hesitation, but he spoke softly, "Teacher Sch."

As he uttered the word 'teacher,' he seemed to let go of something, and his expression softened.

"Good." Sch Jing smiled.

"Then let's go. The afternoon class is about to start, and you should rejoin your team."

...

On the training ground, students stared in amazement at a strange boy standing among them, his face wrapped in bandages.

"Bro, have you figured it out?" He Han approached Zhao Longtu and put his arm around his neck, teasing him.

Zhao Longtu turned and frowned, "It's you, Blue Dye!"

"Uh..." He Han was taken aback.

"No, why are you still in the dark? I was just joking. My real name is Edo Washer, a half-Japanese, half-Chinese hybrid. My mother is an East Asian named Itachi Hongxia..."

Edo Washer shook his head helplessly.

"So that's how it is... Then why did you lie to me just now, Washer?" Zhao Longtu asked in confusion.

The surrounding classmates burst into laughter.

"Zhao, you're so adorable."

"You're hilarious."

Chen Xingyan slapped He Han's head, where a bump was still visible, and said, "You've been fooled again... Don't talk to this dog. His name is He Han, and he's a bit crazy."

He Han cried out and squatted down, covering his head. Ye Jingqiu, standing nearby, pinched her hair and smiled, "You can only trust one out of ten things this guy says. You have to be careful!"

Seeing Zhao Longtu's unique way of integrating into the group, Sch Jing smiled, clapped his hands to get the students' attention, and said, "Alright, for this class, let's play a little game."

At the mention of a game, many students' eyes lit up.

"Teacher, what game is it?"

"I'm thinking of Truth or Dare."

"Can we play King's Game, the one without any taboos... Shh, I don't have any ideas about Teacher Sch. I just genuinely enjoy playing."

As the students watched expectantly, Sch Jing pulled out—a bell.

"Ah!"

He Han stood up and pointed at Sch Jing, disbelief written all over his face, "Teacher Sch, are you trying to copy Kakashi-sensei?"

"Don't underestimate the title of a copy ninja, Kakashi!"

Sch Jing glanced at him, "Calm down, you Naruto fan."

"The bell scene appeared in the Third Hokage's memories. It's not Kakashi's original idea."

He Han froze, then his face lit up with joy, "Teacher, so you play too..."

...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end