Volume 1, Chapter 6: Undercurrents

Yang Yong wiped the sweat from his brow and looked back at Liu He with gratitude. “Thank you for your guidance, Teacher. I feel like I’m improving every day.”

Liu He patted him on the shoulder. “Then keep working hard. In the days ahead, you’ll go even farther.”

At that moment, the other students gathered around as well. Inspired by Yang Yong’s performance, they all said they would practice even harder.

Looking at these vigorous young faces, Liu He seemed to glimpse the boundless possibilities of the future.

He came to realize that his responsibility was not only to resist external enemies, but also to educate and inspire the youth who would inherit tomorrow.

Not far away, beneath a great tree, several teachers with unfriendly expressions were covertly watching everything that happened on the field.

They were the observers arranged by Han Kun, and had been gathering intelligence about Liu He all along.

Liu He felt a faint unease, but he did not panic, for he knew full well that every step from here on was crucial.

Meanwhile, in Han Kun’s hospital room, he was recovering and regaining his strength, the gloom on his face gradually fading.

He sneered as he recalled the many obstacles Liu He had placed in his way, and in his heart, his endless fighting spirit blazed once more.

He muttered to himself, “Liu He, you bastard. One day, I’ll bring you down with my own hands.”

A few days later, the school held a brief celebration for Yang Yong’s progress, and the students gathered in the gymnasium, full of admiration for him.

Just then, Liu He’s sharp gaze caught several unfamiliar faces mingling in the crowd.

He understood at once: this was a scheme.

After the celebration ended, Liu He hurried to his office. He opened his computer and tried to use the system of refreshed entries to find more information and clues.

Then he noticed a textbook lying at the corner of the desk: The Black Orb. He had never seen it there before.

When he opened to the first page, a powerful aura surged toward him.

“This... what is this?”

His heart jolted. He immediately called on the system to probe the textbook’s secrets.

Soon, the system returned one entry after another. He realized that this was not merely a textbook, but more like a gate leading to lost knowledge and power.

A new possibility rose in his mind, and his boundless resolve blazed anew.

“The future may be full of uncertainties, but I will lead them farther,” Liu He said to himself.

He knew that whatever awaited him next, he was ready to face it.

In the quiet office, Liu He devoted himself to studying The Black Orb.

With each page he turned, he could feel the astonishing energy contained within the book.

He carefully recorded the system’s feedback and kept thinking about how to use this knowledge and these abilities to stand against Han Kun.

Meanwhile, in the principal’s office, Lu Caiyuan was reflecting on everything that had recently happened.

He knew how difficult the challenges facing Liu He were, but he also understood that Liu He’s potential was limitless.

Lu Caiyuan decided that now was the time to give Liu He more support.

He knocked on Liu He’s office door.

“Teacher Liu, I believe you already understand that you can’t defeat Han Kun by relying on yourself alone.”

Lu Caiyuan’s tone was calm, but firm. “We need closer cooperation.”

Liu He nodded seriously. He knew the principal’s words were full of sincerity and wisdom.

“I’ve already begun laying things out,” Liu He replied. “This system of entries has given me many possibilities. Still, we must be extremely careful.”

Lu Caiyuan showed a trace of approving smile and said meaningfully, “That is good. No matter how the situation changes, never forget to remain calm.”

Elsewhere, Lu Na stood at the end of the corridor, having overheard the conversation between the two men.

A complicated feeling welled up in her heart. She knew her feelings for Liu He were hopeless, yet she still could not let them go entirely.

But in the end, she steadied herself and silently resolved to stand on Liu He’s side, refusing to let private emotion interfere with the greater good.

That night, Liu He and Yang Yong walked across the field, discussing the plans ahead.

Yang Yong’s progress greatly comforted Liu He. He felt that this student was no longer the ignorant boy he had once been, but a true companion with whom he could stand shoulder to shoulder.

“Teacher Liu, I can feel that something is controlling everything from the shadows. We have to be careful,” Yang Yong said with a furrowed brow, his voice heavy with concern.

Liu He patted his shoulder, giving him silent encouragement.

“We’ll face it together. We’ll find a way.”

For a moment, beneath the campus lights, their determined silhouettes cast an air of defiance against fate.

Though challenges loomed in every direction, Liu He knew in his heart that he must lead everyone beyond these chains of destiny, step by step, toward victory.

The two of them grew more and more in sync, not only in teaching, but also in confronting the complex situation, joining hands to uncover the hidden crisis.

Liu He silently repeated to himself, “No matter what happens in the future, I am ready.”

That night, Lu Na sat in her room, her phone clenched tightly in her hand.

The conversation she had overheard that afternoon between Liu He and the principal kept circling in her mind.

She knew her feelings had reached a point of no return.

“I have no other choice,” she whispered to herself. “I have to stand with Liu He.”

Lu Na took a deep breath and dialed Yang Yong’s number.

Soon, Yang Yong’s hearty voice came through the line. “Lu Na? What’s up so late?”

“Yang Yong, I have something important I want to discuss with you.”

Lu Na lowered her voice, her tone carrying a hint of tension.

Yang Yong, sensing her seriousness, set aside what he was doing and listened intently.

“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

“I know Liu He is doing something important. I want to join you,” Lu Na said directly. “I want to help him.”

Yang Yong was silent for a moment. He could feel Lu Na’s determination.

“Okay. I’ll tell Teacher Liu what you think,” he promised. “You’re very welcome to join us.”

Meanwhile, Han Kun sat in his pale and empty office, staring at the Yun City Academy emblem on the wall.

He knew that if he wanted to shake Liu He’s standing at the school, he had to begin with Lu Caiyuan.

After thinking for a while, he dialed a number he had long since memorized.

“Principal Lu, it’s me, Han Kun.”

There was a barely perceptible hint of threat and probing in his voice. “Lately, the academy’s development has drawn quite a lot of attention. We need to make sure every staff member is fulfilling his duty.”

Lu Caiyuan had long since seen through Han Kun’s tricks, but on the surface, he remained unreadable.

“Of course. We’re all giving it our all, Director Han. Is there anything you need me to do?”

“Well, we need to make sure Teacher Liu He’s plans are in line with our expectations,” Han Kun said coldly, trying to find any flaw in the other man’s response.

“I trust we’ll all handle things carefully.”

The night grew deep. Liu He and Yang Yong once again strolled across the field.

Yang Yong told him that Lu Na had decided to stand with them.

“She’s very proactive. I think she’ll be a good help,” Yang Yong added.

Liu He nodded, his expression grave and serious.

“The more people who join us, the better. We need to be prepared and watch out for any move Han Kun might make.”

At that moment, Lu Na hurried to the field and joined them, panting slightly.

She looked at Liu He with firm resolve. “I’m willing to help you. I’ll do whatever I can.”

Liu He gazed at her, and a belief in great possibilities arose in his heart.