Starforce Warriors-Chapter 343: You Aren’t Worthy

Li Xiaofei's attitude was undeniably direct and confrontational. This was a complete breakdown of a relationship.

Su Yuncao's face darkened as he spoke, "Do you dare to speak to me like that?"

Li Xiaofei responded, "This is already me being as polite as possible."

"Aren’t you afraid that I could ruin you?" Su Yuncao’s aura began to leak out.

The overwhelming pressure of a Dao Union Realm expert was terrifying. It was as if mountains were collapsing and oceans were surging with just a single thought.

Li Xiaofei prepared his Spatial Point Theft ability as he replied calmly, "You can try."

Su Yuncao’s expression grew even more menacing. The oppressive energy he radiated intensified, growing more and more terrifying. Li Xiaofei felt as if a thousand divine mountains were pressing down on him as the air in the room seemed to solidify. His bones groaned under the strain, creaking like old wooden doors as they seemed on the verge of snapping under the immense force.

This was the power of the Dao Union Realm. One thought could stir the oceans in fury. One thought could shake the heavens with thunder. It was, without a doubt, utterly terrifying.

This was the first time Li Xiaofei was facing such a powerful figure head-on. But thanks to the massages his aunt had performed to strengthen his muscles, the bones forged through the Formless Sword Bone technique, and the tendons hardened by the Yi Jin Jing practice... he could stand tall under the crushing pressure of the Dao Union Realm.

Suddenly, the pressure vanished. Su Yuncao’s face abruptly lit up with a smile.

"Not bad, a true genius," Su Yuncao said, his smile warm. "I had already heard about your accomplishments more than once before coming to Liuhe. Just based on those three seconds just now, you've proven yourself capable of competing with the top talents of Xiajing."

Li Xiaofei's lips curled into a mocking smirk.

Su Yuncao continued gently, "I’ve weathered sixty years in political and educational arenas, cultivated countless protégés, and crushed many so-called geniuses. I’ve never considered myself a good person, but my eyes have never failed me. Li Xiaofei, your physique is exceptional. If you become my disciple, your future will be limitless."

Li Xiaofei, still sneering, said nothing. It was as if speaking one more word to this old man would be a disgrace. But Su Yuncao was unfazed by his silence.

"You’re still young, proud, and ambitious, but you have no understanding of how this world truly operates. You’ve confronted me for the sake of Chen Fei, and I admire your spirit and integrity. When I see you, I see a reflection of my younger self. But have you ever wondered why Chen Fei himself has accepted this situation and chosen not to pursue it?"

Su Yuncao spoke slowly, smiling as he threw out the question. This was the answer Li Xiaofei was looking for. Su Yuncao smiled again. He knew the boy had begun to think.

"I can make that paper disappear quietly, never to show up in any journal, magazine, or database. I can bankrupt Red Flag High School in a single semester, have it shut down, and strip it of its credentials. Everything you care about: I have countless ways to destroy it."

Su Yuncao radiated absolute confidence as he stroked his beard, the kind that came from both his authoritative position and his power as a Dao Union Realm expert. Li Xiaofei's eyes instantly filled with undisguised hostility. But to Su Yuncao, his reaction was no more than the harmless snarl of a cub showing its baby teeth.

"Of course, those threats alone weren’t enough to make Chen Fei back down. You, his student, should know his character. Chen Fei was once a prodigy no less promising than you. Back then, he was a dazzling talent. Much like you, he was stubborn, unyielding, and proud to the core. He’d rather break than bend, never turning back even when faced with a wall, unwilling to compromise with the world. But sadly, youthful passion can never truly withstand the harshness of reality. In the end, he lost his family and his future. Li Xiaofei, you have family and friends in Liuhe Base City as well... Am I right?"

Su Yuncao smiled, his insinuation painfully clear.

Li Xiaofei's brow furrowed slightly. Chen Fei had once told him that his parents and family perished in the Battle of Ning City. It was during that battle that giant star beasts from the sea had landed and caused a horrific catastrophe.

Li Xiaofei had also learned about the Battle of Ning City in his history classes. As one of the ten major base cities in the south, Ning City had been incredibly prosperous, with a population of over five million. It was a vital coastal stronghold for Great Xia, famed for its formidable defenses.

But it had fallen when oceanic star beasts had breached the city. That battle had been a bitter and grueling one for Great Xia, but in the end, Ning City was destroyed. Two Saints had fallen and two million citizens perished in the tragedy. Yet, in a remarkable feat, three million people had been successfully evacuated from the city.

Li Xiaofei had always believed that Chen Fei's family had tragically died in the battle. But from the way Su Yuncao was speaking, it seemed there was more to the story.

Su Yuncao continued, "Young man, have you ever thought about it? How much influence could a downtrodden principal from a small border city really have? If that paper had been published under his name, how much impact could it truly have made?"

Li Xiaofei remained silent.

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Su Yuncao pressed on, "I’ve read that paper a hundred times. It’s priceless, revolutionary in its significance. It’s like a beacon in the dark that illuminates the uncertain path ahead for Great Xia’s ancient martial lineage. But if it were to be ignored because the author didn’t carry enough weight, wouldn’t that be a waste of such brilliance?"

Li Xiaofei took a deep breath, but remained silent.

Su Yuncao continued patiently, “This paper needs time to realize its value, but does Great Xia’s ancient martial lineage have time to wait? No. That’s the most tragic part. But if the paper's author is someone with enough influence and authority, it can instantly spark the brilliance of this hidden gem and change the fate of Great Xia’s ancient martial arts. And I am that person.”

At this point, even Su Yuncao’s expression grew somewhat excited.

He raised his arm and declared loudly, “Only by having my name on it can this paper deliver its impact in the shortest time. The martial arts model of Red Flag High School can then be rapidly spread across the country... and only then does Great Xia’s martial lineage stand a chance to catch its breath amidst this internal conflict between the old and the new. Do you understand now, young man?”

“This is why Principal Chen compromised with you?” Li Xiaofei finally spoke.

“Isn’t this enough?” Su Yuncao’s tone softened as he smiled. “I could destroy everything you hold dear, or I could elevate it. What you’re striving for is the revival of Great Xia’s ancient martial lineage, isn’t it? As long as that goal is achieved, what does it matter who gets the credit?”

"No, it’s not the same," Li Xiaofei shook his head as he said resolutely, “If Great Xia’s ancient martial lineage is truly to be revived, it will only be by those who are driven by ideals, fueled by passion, and unwavering in their commitment. Only that can forge the true spirit of ancient martial arts.”

“And you? Heh,” Li Xiaofei scoffed, glaring at the old man before him, who believed himself to be in control of everything. He added disdainfully, “You’re nothing more than a hypocritical, despicable thief. You don’t understand anything about Great Xia’s ancient martial lineage. People like you can come up with a thousand reasons to justify your underhanded actions, but in reality, you’re good for nothing and only bring ruin. All you care about is your own reputation... Revival of Great Xia’s ancient martial lineage? You aren’t worthy!”