Facing the softening of Zong Bochi and the others, Fang Chen shook his head and uttered two words.
"Not enough!"
As soon as these words fell, Zong Bochi's expression changed slightly, showing some displeasure.
As a steward of Hidden Dragon Academy, he was considered a prominent figure in Zhongzhou. Even those peak martial artists in the Heavenly Realm who had comprehended Great Dao Power had to give him face. Yet now, despite his humble demeanor, this young man still found it insufficient.
This instantly ignited some anger within him.
Of course, the anger came quickly and faded just as fast. Almost in the next moment, the displeasure on Zong Bochi's face vanished without a trace. He forced a smile and said, "I wonder how Young Friend Fang Chen intends to proceed?"
He was indeed angry, but given Fang Chen's previously displayed freakish strength, Zong Bochi understood that in due time, this young man would surely soar within Heavenly Martial Academy and become a peak powerhouse. Offending a future peak powerhouse over such trivial matters would undoubtedly be extremely unwise. Thus, even though he was angry, he could only endure it.
"Slap yourself twice," Fang Chen said lightly, his gaze landing on the Blue-Clad Youth beside Zong Bochi.
If it weren't for this person’s repeated provocations, the previous events wouldn't have occurred at all. Even Zhao Wugang's actions were instigated by this guy. Fang Chen genuinely despised this clown-like figure from the bottom of his heart. Therefore, he naturally wouldn't show any mercy now.
However, when these words fell, they still caused some hearts to tremble violently.
Forcing a genius disciple of Hidden Dragon Academy to slap himself in public was far more humiliating than beating him up; it was a blatant insult!
Even Zong Bochi, who had somewhat prepared himself for this situation, couldn't help but twitch his eyelids when he heard Fang Chen's condition.
"Young Friend Fang Chen, while it's true that we were in the wrong here, this is excessive. How about I have Wu Jin apologize to you instead?" Zong Bochi maintained a strained smile as he spoke.
At this point, not only had they failed to save face for Wang Tao and Fang Chen or even for Heavenly Martial Academy, but with Fang Chen causing such a scene, their own dignity was left in tatters. Moreover, even Hidden Dragon Academy's reputation would suffer slightly. It was easy to imagine that upon returning to the academy, they would surely be reprimanded by the higher-ups.
But what could be done? After all, Fang Chen was such a freakish character. Zong Bochi sighed inwardly and lamented his misfortune. However, even so, having Wu Jin slap himself was simply out of the question.
Not to mention that even as a steward of Hidden Dragon Academy, he couldn't command these talented students. After all, those valued by the Three Great Academies were all individuals with astonishing potential. Even the least among them could easily reach the Heavenly Realm in the future; with some effort, reaching Daoist Master Realm wasn't impossible either. As for Nirvana Realm, only a few Heavenly Pride individuals among them could aspire to that level. This contrasted with rumors circulating across the four domains that disciples recruited by the Three Great Academies must possess unparalleled potential for Nirvana Realm.
Regardless of how one looked at it, one couldn't deny these disciples' remarkable potential. Therefore, compared to them, these so-called stewards were significantly inferior. Both Wang Tao and Zong Bochi were well aware of their own standing. At their age, they were still only at Heavenly Realm cultivation and hadn't even comprehended Great Dao Power; barring any accidents, their lives would likely remain that way.
Thus, they understood that in the eyes of the academy's higher-ups, they were not as valuable as those young talented disciples. Even if Fang Chen was an astonishing freak who could become a peak powerhouse in the future, if he watched Wu Jin being humiliated by Fang Chen today without intervening, he would inevitably face consequences upon returning to the academy.
After all, the more talented a person is, the stronger their pride tends to be. If someone like Wu Jin were to be publicly humiliated today, it could leave a lasting shadow in his heart, tarnishing his path and halting his cultivation. This would effectively ruin a genius disciple of Hidden Dragon Academy!
Zong Bochi was well aware of this, and Wang Tao understood it too. Therefore, after Fang Chen finished speaking, instead of feeling triumphant, a look of concern appeared on Wang Tao's face.
Indeed, the repeatedly provocative Wu Jin was quite detestable. If possible, Wang Tao would also like to teach him a lesson. However, Wang Tao knew even better that if Fang Chen truly succeeded in humiliating this guy today and tarnished his path, it would lead to serious consequences.
Although the competition among the Three Great Academies was fierce, it was manageable and wouldn't lead to major issues. But if Fang Chen were to cripple Wu Jin, it would be an uncontrollable situation. At that point, Hidden Dragon Academy would undoubtedly come seeking retribution, and the relationship between the two academies could fall into a deadlock. Even if Fang Chen had extraordinary talent, he would likely suffer in such a scenario. In fact, if it weren't for his exceptional abilities, he might even face severe punishment from Heavenly Martial Academy.
However, Wang Tao soon realized that his worries were clearly unnecessary. The young man before him not only possessed extraordinary talent and immense potential but also had a mind as sharp as an ancient demon's, which was truly astonishing.
"Apologize?" Hearing Zong Bochi's words, Fang Chen raised an eyebrow and scanned Zong Bochi as well as Wu Jin and Zhao Wugang beside him with a smirk.
"Since Senior Zong has spoken up, I will give Hidden Dragon Academy some face. After today, as long as you three apologize to Heavenly Martial Academy, we can consider this matter settled," Fang Chen said.
It wasn't about giving them face; it was about giving Hidden Dragon Academy face. They didn't need to apologize to him or Wang Tao; the target of the apology was Heavenly Martial Academy.
As soon as Fang Chen finished speaking, those around them who had been paying attention reacted with bright eyes, many unable to suppress their admiration.
Clever! Truly clever!
At this moment, Wang Tao finally understood that Fang Chen had never intended for Wu Jin to be humiliated or for his path to be tarnished. Upon reflection, it was clear that such an outcome was impossible; even if they feared his immense potential, they wouldn't endure such humiliation. Moreover, if they did so, they would greatly offend Hidden Dragon Academy.
To vent frustration at the cost of offending Hidden Dragon Academy was undoubtedly a foolish move. Fang Chen would never do something so reckless. Therefore, his initial goal was for Zong Bochi and the others to apologize.
Yes, three people—not just Wu Jin alone. The target of the apology was also Heavenly Martial Academy. This way, he wouldn’t leave others with any handle against him or create an impression of arrogance. Instead, it would be seen as a commendable effort to uphold his academy's reputation. Furthermore, once this matter reached Heavenly Martial Academy, it would surely enhance Fang Chen's image there.
A good impression may not be something tangible, but for Fang Chen who was about to enter the unfamiliar territory of Heavenly Martial Academy, it was more important than anything else.
"Well played," Zong Bochi said with a wry smile.
At this point, he naturally understood the intricacies involved and recognized Fang Chen's intentions. What made him shake his head in resignation was that even though he understood Fang Chen's purpose, he had no choice but to comply with it.
By retreating strategically, Fang Chen avoided having Wu Jin humiliated—this could be seen as taking a step back. Now following Zong Bochi's words and proposing such an apology condition meant that if Zong Bochi refused to agree, it would mean completely offending Fang Chen. Clearly, for just one apology, Zong Bochi and his companions wouldn't want to sever ties with someone as talented as Fang Chen; the costs involved were evidently not equal. Thus, Zong Bochi felt somewhat helpless.
Understood, I have come to terms with it, but I still have to follow the path that has already been laid out for me by others.
This is a conspiracy that the three of them, Zong Bochi, cannot resist.
"This matter is our fault, and we apologize," Zong Bochi said.
Once he finished speaking, regardless of whether they were truly willing or forced into it, both Wu Jin and Zhao Wugang also apologized together.
Faced with Fang Chen from the Alchemy Realm, the three of them actually softened.
The astonishment in the eyes of those around them grew even more intense, especially when they looked at Fang Chen, as if they were gazing at a celestial being.
A young Heavenly Pride with immense potential and monstrous talent is certainly formidable, but the path of martial arts is fraught with difficulties. Crises do not only come from the outside; sometimes, one's own limitations are a significant factor. A single misstep can lead even an unparalleled Heavenly Pride to the brink of falling. However, at this moment, Fang Chen not only possesses monstrous talent but also an extraordinary mindset. This is what truly sets him apart as a celestial being.
The Heavenly Martial Academy has indeed struck gold this time!
In an instant, this thought flashed through the minds of everyone present.
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