Volume One, Chapter 13: The Battle of Conviction – Revamping the Records, Turning the Tide in Cloud City

"Han Kun," Lu Caiyuan gazed at the student, his tone remaining gentle yet tinged with a newfound gravity. "Your perspective is slightly skewed. While Liu He’s background is indeed unique, it does not mean he is exempt from the need for hard work. Even the greatest opportunity is wasted without effort."

Han Kun paused for a moment before asking, "But, surely different family backgrounds and resources influence a person's development?"

Lu Caiyuan nodded with a smile. "Of course they do. But what determines how far you can go is how you utilize those resources to push past your own limits. Teacher Liu He is a prime example. He relies on more than just his innate abilities; he refuses to give up even in the face of the greatest adversity. Much like his trait-refreshing system, which grants him limited time and abilities, he manages to maximize every single opportunity."

The atmosphere in the classroom grew heavy at these words. Many students began to reflect silently, wondering if they, too, had abandoned their efforts due to external obstacles.

Han Kun looked up, meeting the Principal’s eyes. "Then, Principal, how should I break through the limitations of my own background?"

Lu Caiyuan nodded, a look of gratification on his face. "First, you must have a clear understanding of your goals and work to cultivate your own capabilities. Second, you must learn to find breakthroughs within your existing resources. Whether through study, practice, or interpersonal connections, you can find a path that suits your development."

He paused, then continued, "At Cloud City Academy, we are committed to providing every student with a fair environment for growth. I hope none of you will let existing limitations hold you back, but rather, I encourage you to be brave enough to try and explore."

The students nodded, a sense of anticipation for the future igniting within them. Meanwhile, the image of Liu He on the arena stage continued to inspire them to press forward.

On a sunny weekend, Liu He was invited to a family gathering. While the atmosphere appeared warm, he knew the true purpose of the event was merely a display of status and competition. His cousins were gathered in the center of the living room, showing off their latest acquisitions—from expensive designer watches to the newest model of hover-vehicles—every item exuded their disdain for him.

"Liu He, how have you been lately?" a cousin asked, eyes half-lidded, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Not bad," Liu He responded with a smile, though he felt a chill in his heart. "I’ve just started my new teaching position, so there is still much to adapt to."

"Oh, is that so?" The cousin adjusted his watch. "You know, Han Kun is quite the figure in the Cloud City Department of Education, and he has a good relationship with our family. I wonder if he might be able to help you out?"

Liu He was taken aback for a second but quickly regained his composure. He understood that this was an act of probing and a veiled threat. Ignoring the provocation, he simply nodded politely.

"Is that right? That would be wonderful," Liu He replied nonchalantly. His voice was calm, but a smoldering sense of resolve began to burn within him.

Just then, Han Kun walked through the door, his arrival drawing immediate attention. Known for his overbearing nature, his presence signaled greater power and mounting pressure. He scanned the room, his gaze finally settling on Liu He.

"Director Han, I didn't expect to see you at our gathering." Liu He greeted him with a smile, his politeness masking the determination he felt in facing this challenge.

"Of course I had to come," Han Kun said with his signature arrogant smirk. "Teacher Liu has become quite the sensation lately, even performing so brilliantly in the arena tournament."

"Thank you for the compliment," Liu He responded, neither humble nor overbearing. "I am simply doing my best to fulfill my duties."

The noise of the gathering seemed to fade as the two locked eyes, the silence between them charged like clashing blades, each testing the other's boundaries.

"Since you have such talent, why not join the Department of Education and make a greater impact?" Han Kun asked with a pointed tone.

"I prefer to stay on the front lines of teaching, growing alongside my students," Liu He replied briefly and clearly, revealing his firm belief in the cause of education.

After the encounter, Liu He stepped out into the courtyard, closed his eyes, and savored the warmth of the sun. The anger and fighting spirit within him intertwined; he understood clearly that the real battle had only just begun. The road ahead would be paved by his trait-refreshing system, which he would use to reclaim his dignity and achievements step by step.

Recalling Principal Lu’s words, his resolve hardened. He would prove that regardless of his background, he could carve out a place for himself. Standing in the sun, with dappled light filtering through the leaves onto his face, he realized that passion for teaching alone was not enough. In the environment of Cloud City, the struggle for power and influence was the true test.

"I must find a more effective way to establish my footing," Liu He mused. He possessed a secret weapon: the trait-refreshing system he had awakened in this high-martial-arts world. This system granted him temporary yet formidable abilities; as long as he wielded this power wisely, he could go far in this world of strife.

"Hey, Teacher Liu, there you are!" Jiang Wanjun emerged from the room with several colleagues. A veteran instructor at the academy, he was often called "Brother Wanjun" because he always found solutions to the complexities of the educational environment.

"Teacher Jiang, I heard quite a bit of what you said earlier. It was very inspiring," Liu He said with a sincere smile.

Jiang Wanjun gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder. "Indeed. In the education system, you have to have your own ideas. Isn't that why we're here—to make this place better?"

Other colleagues nodded in agreement, discussing their views on their work. As they talked about student progress and new teaching methods, the courtyard was filled with a positive atmosphere. Listening to them, Liu He felt a surge of emotion. He gazed into the distance as if looking toward a grander future. He knew many challenges lay ahead, but with the support of his colleagues and the power of his system, he believed he could define his own role in this high-martial-arts world.

"The direction is clear; it just requires courage and wisdom," Liu He whispered to himself. His conviction grew stronger. No matter his origins, he would use the trait-refreshing system to turn his beliefs into reality, both within Cloud City and in the vast world beyond.

Just then, his phone rang—it was Principal Lu.

Liu He answered, "Principal Lu, I was just thinking of talking to you."

"Teacher Liu, you are doing well," the Principal’s voice was full of encouragement. "Hold fast to your beliefs. At any time, we will be your most steadfast support."

Hearing this, Liu He felt a sense of clarity wash over him.