When a person is in a high-ranking position, their words carry the law.

Chapter 66 People should have ideals, and martial artists should have even more ideals.
Sometimes, no matter how much an elder says, it's not as effective as a single whispered remark from a peer.

The old principal said a lot, and Qu Mingfeng was still on guard. But when Bai Ze said, "He's still a child," he almost fought Bai Ze to the death on the spot.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Qu Mingfeng clenched his fists, making a crisp sound. "I'd like to see what you're going to use to hit me. I'm waiting for you."

“No problem. I often take care of children in the orphanage. I’m familiar with the saying that ‘spare the rod and spoil the child.’” Bai Ze smiled like a tolerant adult.

As a result, Qu Mingfeng did not understand his good intentions and turned away.

"This restraint is really unlike that of a fifteen-year-old boy; he's more like a venomous snake," the old headmaster scoffed. "If he had thrown a punch, I would have been happy, but I just endured it like this."

“If he throws a punch at you, you’d probably have to give him a good beating right there,” Bai Ze said.

If Qu Mingfeng really couldn't hold back, the old principal would indeed be pleased. But what pleased him wasn't that Qu Mingfeng had youthful spirit, but that he could rightfully beat up this junior.

Bai Ze didn't know how strong the old principal was, but he was definitely stronger than Qu Mingfeng.

"That's right, I have a temper. Whoever dares to hit me, I'll hit them back."

The old headmaster, showing no shame for beating up a kindergarten, stroked his beard with a smug look on his face, and then reminded him, "Are you confident? This kid's strength should have already reached the second level. The title of prodigy is not undeserved."

Despite his disdain, the old principal still held a high opinion of Qu Mingfeng's talent.

Qu Mingfeng is a second-generation rich kid, so he doesn't need to cultivate a fake persona for himself. He was specially recruited by Yanjing Martial Arts University because of his extraordinary talent.

With such talent and top-notch resources, the title of child prodigy is truly well-deserved.

"good."

Bai Ze gave an ambiguous answer, saying, "Compared to that, I'd rather know what you were talking about earlier."

"You want to hear it?" the old headmaster asked.

Of course I'd listen to you, given how you've already gone through that.

The old principal's words, which seemed to be addressed to Qu Mingfeng, were actually meant for Bai Ze.

The old man is very cunning.

Upon hearing this, Bai Ze immediately understood that Qu Mingfeng might be related to the person who altered the competition schedule.

The last time I saw the former principal be so rude to someone was when he was dealing with Director Qi.

"Please tell me," Bai Ze said.

"Actually, it's nothing much, it's just that the ancestors were heroes, but the children and grandchildren are like beasts."

The old principal stroked his beard and said, "At the beginning of the century, the world was in turmoil. Our neighbor, India, was destroyed, and half of Japan sank. Although it was later restored, it was jokingly called the Eastern Peninsula. The Federation also suffered a great upheaval that was unprecedented in a century, but fortunately, the Federation had no shortage of people with lofty ideals. They managed to survive that disaster and are getting better and better."

Unfortunately, while the environment has improved, people's hearts have deteriorated. Take the Qu family, for example, whose ancestors were first-rate heroes, yet their descendants have become such despicable individuals. And there are quite a few like them. Do you think what I just mentioned represents everyone? They are filthy.”

"I never expected you to be an idealist." Bai Ze spoke as if he were meeting the old principal for the first time.

He thought the old man was just showing off.

“It’s good to have ideals,” the old principal said calmly. “The strongest people are often born from those with ideals, while those so-called realists are just weaklings who succumb to reality. This world is full of such people. If you want to reach the pinnacle of martial arts, you have to be different from ordinary people.”

Unlike before, the old principal spoke these words with unusual calmness, yet they stirred up waves in Bai Ze's heart.

The old principal, who usually loved to show off, now seemed to have gained a layer of sacred radiance. But the next moment, the old principal smiled slyly and said, "Besides, you're already on my pirate ship now, so you're an idealist now too."

"Hmm?" Bai Ze showed a hint of surprise, then a thought flashed through his mind, "Qi Fangwei!"

“That’s right, Qi Fangwei is Qu’s henchman,” the old principal clapped his hands and said, “Your opposition to Qi Fangwei is also your opposition to Qu. Of course, you can also join them.”

"Isn't that like being a dog?" Bai Ze shook his head.

He's already on the old principal's side; if he goes to the other side, he'll have to show his loyalty and become a dog.

With his stance already drawn, Bai Ze has unknowingly been branded with that mark, and the cost of switching sides will be substantial.

and······
To reach the pinnacle of martial arts, one must be extraordinary... such is the ideal.

Bai Ze felt a strange and inexplicable emotion welling up inside him.

Ideals, what an alluring thing. They are like a flame, drawing countless moths to a flame.

Bai Ze may not have the same ideals as the old principal, but he wants to have ideals.

Only by becoming strong can one see and experience more, instead of being confined to a small corner of the world.

"I don't want to be a dog," Bai Ze said softly.

"With such talent, if you still want to be a dog, I'll slap you to death, you disgraceful wretch."

The old principal rolled his eyes and said, "And don't underestimate me. Although my strength isn't that high, my connections are very strong. Didn't you see that Qu Mingfeng's father wanted to invite me to teach at Yanjing Martial Arts University?"

"Tell me about your connections," Bai Ze said, his expression showing curiosity.

“You know Pei Dongliu, right?” the old principal waved his hand. “That’s my classmate.”

Bai Ze was filled with awe.

“Principal, I also want to be a person with ideals. I have ideals too.”

······
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Inside the private restroom of the Budokan.

Fine cracks formed a spiderweb-like pattern on the wall, centered around a fist-shaped mark. Qu Mingfeng slowly washed his hands, then turned on his smart bracelet and made a call.

"Dad, the old man is still so ungrateful." Qu Mingfeng said with deep resentment.

"Not expected."

A calm voice came from the bracelet, "Mu Yaoguang is coming back soon. Now is the most hopeful time for Lu Mingzhou. He doesn't know that times have changed. He's still clinging to outdated ideas and sticking to the old ways from decades ago."

"what should I do?"

"Just get rid of that little guy that Lu Mingzhou is protecting."

The calm voice did not utter Bai Ze's name, because the name was insignificant to him and there was no need for him to know it.

"I understand."

Qu Mingfeng nodded, looked in the mirror, and gave a cold smile. Cracks were appearing on the sturdy sink where his palm was pressed.

Such palm strike, yet no internal energy was used; Qu Mingfeng has not only reached the second star level, but his body refinement must also be quite advanced.

(End of this chapter)