Volume One, Chapter 18: The Night of Betrayal—The Battle of the Entries

The afternoon sunlight bathed the campus lawn as students strolled in small groups, their laughter and chatter echoing softly through the air.

Liu He glanced around and silently vowed, “Yuncheng Academy, I will make you stronger than ever.”

Back in his office, he opened his computer to a screen filled with assignments needing grading. His gaze drifted to the window, but his mind was occupied with how to harness his Entry System to compose a paper that would shake Han Kun to his core.

At that thought, the system interface flickered in his mind. With a casual swipe, he summoned a new entry: “Clever Writing Technique.”

“Just perfect.”

A faint smile curved Liu He's lips. Never before had he felt such anticipation for the power of these entries.

A knock interrupted his reverie. The door opened, and in stepped his colleague, Sun Qian—a diligent math teacher who often found herself hesitant to move forward.

She appeared somewhat uneasy. “Teacher Liu, do you have a moment? I’d like to discuss today’s lesson plan.”

“Of course, please come in.”

Liu He rose to pour her a cup of tea. “This is green tea a friend brought me. Would you like to try some?”

Sun Qian smiled faintly and sipped the tea. “Thank you.”

Relaxing at last, she began, “I’ve noticed the students struggle with the new curriculum, especially those in Class One. Do you have any suggestions?”

Liu He pondered briefly. “Perhaps we can inspire their interest by linking the material to real applications. For example, we could introduce battle strategies from the martial world to explain complex mathematical theories.”

Sun Qian blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting such an answer. “That’s a great idea. You always find a way to make dull things interesting.”

“Thank you.”

Liu He smiled softly, feeling a swell of pride at her approval.

After Sun Qian left, Liu He returned to his desk, swiftly typing the rough outline of his paper into his notes. With the help of his entries, his thoughts flowed more clearly than ever, and before long, the first draft of his paper took shape.

As night fell, Liu He stood, stretching leisurely. Gazing at the glittering stars outside, he knew he had to finish this paper soon—not just for the school, but for Principal Lu Caiyuan, whose encouragement propelled him forward.

“Han Kun, just wait.”

He whispered firmly. He understood that this battle was one he had to win—not only to suppress Han Kun but to honor his alma mater and his own past through action.

Tomorrow might very well mark a new beginning.

The night deepened; the campus grew silent.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a pale glow on Liu He’s desk and scattered documents, silently bearing witness to his resolve.

As Liu He prepared to leave the office, steady, imposing footsteps echoed behind him.

Turning, he saw Han Kun standing at the door, radiating an overwhelming aura of dominance.

With a slight sneer and a lofty tone, Han Kun said, “Liu He, still busy with your paper? It won’t change anything. People like you shouldn’t hold this position any longer.”

Liu He did not flinch, knowing this moment was inevitable.

He waved a hand with a smile. “Director Han, I believe hard work is every teacher’s duty.”

“Such foolish persistence.”

Han Kun snorted, eyes glinting with disdain.

Tension thickened. Liu He inhaled deeply, closed his eyes, and silently activated his Entry System.

A new entry surfaced in his mind: “Random Number.”

Instantly, power surged through him; his reflexes and attack strength soared to unprecedented levels.

Sensing the shift in the air, Han Kun mobilized his own energy, swiftly unleashing a secret technique from the martial world.

They moved almost simultaneously, erupting into a fierce battle within the cramped office.

Photos on the walls and books on the shelves tumbled as their forces collided, shaking the entire room.

“Your strength is still insufficient.”

Han Kun chuckled darkly, intensifying his assault.

Liu He remained composed, deftly dodging Han Kun’s relentless strikes, waiting for the perfect moment to counterattack with lightning speed.

This time, he was filled with an unshakable confidence.

With the aid of Random Number, every strike Liu He launched was precise and effective, gradually gaining the upper hand.

Han Kun visibly felt the pressure, sweat beading on his forehead.

Finally, seizing a fleeting opening, Liu He struck swiftly, forcing Han Kun to stagger back several steps, disheveled and beaten.

The clamor of battle faded. Liu He stood firm, exhaling quietly. “This is only the beginning.”

Though wounded, Han Kun’s eyes still burned with defiance.

Liu He noticed but offered no mockery.

Relaxing his tone, he suggested, “Perhaps we could talk. Come, have some tea with me.”

Han Kun was silent for a moment before nodding.

At that instant, the hostility between them seemed to freeze, replaced by an unexpected peace.

Liu He had demonstrated his strength, but he hoped to resolve all conflicts with wisdom.

Under the night sky, the campus remained tranquil. Their conversation might well be the start of something new.

Liu He and Han Kun sat in a corner of the office, the damaged furniture and disordered paintings on the walls bearing testament to the recent clash.

Liu He gently poured Han Kun a cup of tea and handed it to him. They drank in silence, a subtle, indescribable tension lingering in the air.

“How did you do it?” Han Kun asked, his voice edged with curiosity and stubbornness.

“It’s simple. Everyone has their secrets.”

Liu He smiled, deliberately leaving his words incomplete.

In truth, he was still digesting the advantages his secret Entry System granted him, as well as his newfound decisiveness in adapting to change.

At that moment, the office door opened quietly. Principal Lu Caiyuan entered.

His gaze swept over them, and he nodded in understanding.

Han Kun lowered his head, awkwardly adjusting his posture.

“Principal,” Liu He greeted him proactively.

“Liu He, your recent performance is truly impressive.”

Lu Caiyuan praised him, then produced an exquisite wooden box from his pocket, containing Tianshan snow lotus fruit. “I specially prepared this for you. I hope it will help you further enhance your strength.”

Liu He accepted the box, warmth flooding his heart.

He felt the principal’s care and grew even more resolute to find his own value in this world.

“Thank you, Principal. I will not disappoint your expectations,” he said solemnly, eyes burning with determination.

Yet, as the flame of his fighting spirit kindled, great misfortune loomed ahead.

Just as he was ready to break through further, an unexpected attack struck—leaving a profound mark of betrayal.

That night, under the heavy darkness, Liu He was alone in the academy’s training room, feeling the power of the snow lotus fruit, his aura rare and serene.

Suddenly, a familiar yet unfamiliar figure appeared—Director Gu.

“Director Gu, is there something you need?”

Liu He set aside his work and looked up.

But instead of kind words, he met cold murderous intent.

Behind Director Gu, Han Kun’s silhouette emerged, revealing a long-planned alliance that delivered a deadly blow to Liu He.

The weight of betrayal settled deeply in his heart.