Chapter 99: Boundaries
Chapter 99: Boundaries
Cheng Zitong, accompanied by Chen Chuan, approached the man and said, "Old He, I've brought my student over."
He Xiaoxing turned his head, his hair lifting with the wind, revealing a robust and determined profile. Then, he turned around, his penetrating gaze settling on Chen Chuan.
Chen Chuan looked back at him.
The man's muscular build exuded an overwhelming sense of oppression, especially when facing him head-on. Chen Chuan felt a surge of power emanating from him, like a dormant volcano ready to erupt or an underwater current, calm yet unpredictable.
Cheng Zitong spoke, "Xiao Chuan, this is Old He, He Xiaoxing. You can call him Teacher He. The school wanted him to be your teacher, but at the time, he didn't seem interested. It was only after hearing that you chose the Zhou Yuan Technique that he seemed to change his mind."
He Xiaoxing spoke, his voice deep and powerful, as if each word was hammered out, "Martial arts are very personal. If a fighter is influenced only by external factors and not by their own firm choices, they won't get very far."
Cheng Zitong agreed but also sighed, "Old He, you're right. That's one way to look at it, but how many people truly know what they need? How can they be sure they're making the right choice? After all, we can't completely disregard the experiences of our predecessors, even if I consider myself an intuitive learner, I'm no exception."
He Xiaoxing raised his head, looking towards the distant Inquiry Hall, his gaze deep and calm, like his breath, keeping the storm beneath the surface.
"Three years ago, I accepted Shen Zheng as my student right here. He chose the Mystic Form Technique because it was the school's expectation, and I, as his teacher, also practiced this technique.
But I knew it wasn't the best fit for him.
He was aware of it too, but his burdens were too heavy. He never wanted to disappoint others, so he made that choice. At that moment, I knew his path would be filled with obstacles. To reach the upper echelons of power, he would either crush others or be crushed himself."
Cheng Zitong said, "He has great talent. I remember you only taught him for half a semester, right?"
"To be precise, it was three months. After that, I went into the wilderness to cultivate, leaving him with only a guidance notebook. Whatever he learned was through his own efforts."
He Xiaoxing's voice grew solemn, "Later, I heard about his accident. I was both surprised and not surprised."
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment before asking, "Teacher, He Teacher, many senior students at school have mentioned this senior, but no one seems willing to elaborate. What exactly happened back then?"
He Xiaoxing remained silent, standing there without a word.
Cheng Zitong spoke up, "Yes, it's time I told you about this, especially now that you've obtained the Weapon Permit. Now you're eligible to take the next exam, and this is related to that permit. I had intended for Old He to explain when he instructed you, but seeing as he can't stay, I'll clarify it now."
He paused, then continued, "Usually, if you follow the standard assessment process instead of taking the selection exam, it would take around two to three years to obtain the Weapon Permit. This makes it difficult to attempt other exams.
But if you pass the selection exam, like you did, you'll have ample time to take other exams, including one called the 'Infinite Defense License.'"
His tone grew more emphatic, "From the name itself, you can infer its meaning. With this license, if you perceive persecution or feel your life is in danger, you automatically gain infinite defense rights.
Moreover, in times of national emergency, holders of this license can participate in limited law enforcement, earning it the nickname 'Law Enforcement License.'"
For decades, this 'Infinite Defense License' has been monopolized by Recommended Students. With this license, they can better secure their 'Justifiable Defense Rights'. However, even without these licenses, the influential have their ways of achieving such rights. Can you understand why?"
Chen Chuan nodded, indicating his comprehension. Defense is often passive, but with influence, boundaries can blur.
In truth, after gaining influence, obtaining this license is merely an added benefit. Whether one has it or not isn't crucial. What's important is that once Recommended Students monopolize it, other Class A Students have no chance of acquiring it.
Digging deeper, this is a safeguard against other social classes breaking through the rules. The original intent of this license might have been to provide certain individuals with a tool to break the rules.
Cheng Zitong sighed, "Years ago, Shen Zheng, like you, obtained the Weapon Permit early. Before him, due to certain circumstances, the academy's atmosphere was terrible. Many Class A Students treated Class B Students like servants, while the Mutual Aid Society absorbed the best students, binding them with post-graduation agreements. The management was restrained by the Commission Council, and the situation was dire.
The key to changing this lay within the student body. Shen Zheng recognized this and founded the Heartened Society.
He didn't directly confront the Mutual Aid Society. Instead, he led a group of like-minded students to first correct the oppression of Class B Students by Class A Students. They provided guidance and assistance to lower-year students and offered training to aspiring young applicants from outside the school.
The Heartened Society also charged fees but allowed payment after graduation without interest or the harsh conditions of the Mutual Aid Society. Even those who failed to enroll could extend payments for over a decade and recommend talented relatives and friends to study together.
"Chen Chuan contemplated for a moment. If it was merely about rectifying the skewed school culture, it didn't directly involve the Mutual Aid Society. However, providing guidance and training assistance to lower-year students without any particular conditions was akin to uprooting the very foundation of the Mutual Aid Society.
He affirmed, "His actions will undoubtedly lead to conflicts with the Mutual Aid Society."
Cheng Zitong agreed, "You're right. The Mutual Aid Society has clashed with him several times over this matter, even engaging in sanctioned duels within the school."
Chen Chuan had anticipated this development, as it was the simplest and most straightforward approach. Everything Shen Zheng did was undoubtedly built upon his personal prestige and martial prowess.
However, this foundation was also fragile. Finding someone to defeat him and undermine his authority would be sufficient. It's important to understand that apart from a minority of steadfast believers, most students were indecisive, merely swept along by the tide.
Cheng Zitong sighed, "The Mutual Aid Society failed because even the qualified senior students who could go to Central City couldn't defeat him in duels."
Chen Chuan thought to himself that Shen Zheng must have had some backing to do what he did, but he didn't feel particularly optimistic. Evading direct attacks was easier, but hidden dangers were harder to guard against. If you couldn't defeat him openly, there were other covert means to deal with him.
Cheng Zitong's voice turned solemn as he continued, "Now, we're getting to the crux of the matter. The incident two years ago likely stemmed from his application for the Infinite Defense License, and he successfully obtained it."
He paused, glancing at the silent He Xiaoxing, and said, "What happened afterward is based on what I've heard from the investigation results, but I'm not certain if that's the whole truth."
Shen Zheng was found in an abandoned factory, already dead. The report stated that all his injuries were self-inflicted, and no one had abused him. However, we still don't know why he did it.
What we can be sure of is that there were others present at the time, not just him. The school could narrow it down to a group of students, but they couldn't be convicted because they didn't physically harm him during the incident. They were questioned and released.
The investigation report concluded that Shen Zheng's death was a result of his impatience and obsession with his martial technique, driving him to madness. Of course, this weak explanation was just a cover-up, and everyone knew there was more to the story."
Chen Chuan nodded, understanding the implications.
He turned to He Xiaoxing and said, "Afterward, a group of people remained on guard against you as their instructor, and some within the school were tense for a while."
He Xiaoxing spoke with a heavy tone, "That was the path he chose, and he should bear the consequences. He took on responsibilities he shouldn't have, and some burdens exceeded his capabilities. I'm not surprised he was crushed under the weight."
Cheng Zitong continued, "Since those people chose to take action, it means they were prepared. My involvement would only be a step into their trap, adding one more victim without any significance. But as long as I'm here, I'm a constant threat hanging over them. The stronger I become, the more uneasy they'll feel."
Chen Chuan nodded in agreement. He Xiaoxing's decision was correct. An immediate confrontation might play into the hands of certain individuals, but taking a temporary step back provided room for maneuver. Everyone knew this wasn't over, and as long as the person before them continued to grow stronger, it would be a prolonged torment for those involved.
As news spread that Tan Wang had been expelled, some people might find it hard to sleep.
Cheng Zitong sighed, both lamenting and regretting, "Shen Zheng did a lot, but his sense of justice was too strong, and he took on too much. He practically carried the burden of everyone on his own."
"After him, no one in the Heartened Society stepped up to fill the void, and many members left. The remaining ones have been hoping for someone to lead them back to their former glory."
As he spoke, he looked at Chen Chuan with utmost seriousness, "Xiao Chuan, you've obtained the Weapons Permit, and in the future, acquiring the Armor Permit shouldn't be difficult. If you choose to stop here, there won't be any issues."
"But if you decide to pursue the Infinite Defense License, you'll face heightened vigilance from the Recommended Students and their backers, especially with Shen Zheng's example. Their reactions might be even stronger, as it's not just about present interests but also potential future harm. The greater your abilities, the greater the threat they perceive."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Teacher, I think I understand."
Cheng Zitong looked at him and asked, "So, what's your decision?"
He Xiaoxing, standing nearby, also turned to look at Chen Chuan.
The night breeze blew, causing the clothes and hair of the three men to flutter.
Chen Chuan gazed at the lights at the foot of the mountain and said, "The shackles on students will be broken one by one. If we can't overcome the challenges before us, how can we face the future? Looking ahead, I believe these obstacles are the easiest to tackle."
Cheng Zitong couldn't help but laugh, "Well, Old He, what did I say? This is my student! Cheng Zitong's student!"
...
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(End of Chapter)
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