C208 I will Write It Off!

In the age of cold weapons, the significance of military strategy was undeniable. Yet, we now live in an era dominated by firearms, where the powerful can flout the rules and obliterate all opposition with sheer force. Astonishingly, Zhang Zhongqi managed to employ his so-called military strategy to level a Life Restricted Area, an act that was nothing short of miraculous in the eyes of onlookers. It's important to note that at the time, Zhang Zhongqi's own strength was merely at the Diamond level, and he was just an Elementary Diamond at that!

Despite this, he succeeded.

Zhang Zhongqi's aptitude for cultivation was commendable. While not the pinnacle of genius, his rise to the Diamond level as a commoner was a remarkable feat. Naturally, when compared to the true elite geniuses, the disparity was evident, and even more so when juxtaposed with those considered prodigies. Yet, Zhang Zhongqi's foremost skill lay in his leadership of troops.

His emergence paved the way for those with command abilities to find their calling. Moreover, his influence led to the introduction of a Military Department in top-tier academies, with the federal government nurturing a significant number of talents over the years. Zhang Zhongqi was regarded by all as an exceptional kind of top-tier genius.

Following his conquest of the Life Restricted Area, Zhang Zhongqi retired from military service, amidst a complex web of circumstances that remained beyond Chu Yi's knowledge. Subsequently, Zhang Zhongqi took on the role of principal at Adirang Academy, a position he held for several decades.

Previously, Adirang Academy, while one of the top three academies in the nation, had always lingered at the bottom of the pack. It had never cracked the top ten in global rankings. However, through Zhang Zhongqi's diligent efforts, the academy was rejuvenated. It not only ascended to near the top of the national rankings but also consistently secured a spot among the top three academies worldwide.

Zhang Zhongqi was, in every sense, a living legend.

Lee Zi's decision to attend Adirang Academy was largely influenced by Zhang Zhongqi. Such an influential figure even graced the pages of middle school textbooks, where Chu Yi first learned about this great individual, hailed as the War God.

Indeed, Zhang Zhongqi had earned the right to be called the War God simply by eradicating a Life Restricted Area.

Chu Yi and Lee Zi had never expected to encounter Zhang Zhongqi here.

"Hello, War God Zhang..."

Once the initial shock wore off, Chu Yi and Lee Zi settled into a calm demeanor.

Had they not been associated with Adirang Academy, perhaps Chu Yi and Lee Zi wouldn't have been able to regain their composure so swiftly. After all, Zhang Zhongqi was nearly a hero in the eyes of many.

But now...

Although Adirang Academy had contributed to Lee Zi's growth, the emotional trauma it inflicted on her was beyond measure.

Chu Yi harbored no fondness for Adirang Academy. Despite the fact that the actions were carried out by subordinates and not directly related to a top figure like Zhang Zhongqi, he was still the principal of the institution.

If he couldn't manage his own school effectively, to claim he bore no responsibility would be laughable.

"Don't address me that way. Just call me Principal Zhang..."

Typically, the title of War God is reserved for those of true War God Level strength, but Zhang Zhongqi is an outlier.

Even now, Zhang Zhongqi was merely at the High Order Diamond status. Yet, considering his past achievements, the moniker War God Zhang was not unwarranted.

It's worth noting that flattening a Life Restricted Area is a feat that might elude even a group of War Gods.

And the title War God Zhang had been acknowledged by his peers.

"Principal Zhang?"

"Hehe..."

The chuckle that followed cast a chill over the atmosphere.

Many onlookers gave Chu Yi peculiar looks, puzzled by his reaction to Zhang Zhongqi.

Previously, Chu Yi had been commendable in his interactions, treating everyone with humility and respect. He even accepted being called 'grandson' without objection, always maintaining a smile.

But now...

Zhang Zhongqi's brow creased slightly, though he chose not to comment further.

He turned to Lee Zi and said, "I'm aware of the prior incident. Our Adirang Academy owes you an apology."

"Here, I would like to offer my apologies..."

With that, Zhang Zhongqi actually bowed deeply to Lee Zi.

This gesture drew surprised and curious glances from the crowd, who had not anticipated such a display of contrition from someone of Zhang Zhongqi's stature.

Although Lee Zi's talent is indeed formidable, it's merely potential for now. In the future, she might become nothing more than a War God.

But Zhang Zhongqi...

To many, Zhang Zhongqi's status is even more revered and significant than that of a War God!

Moreover, Zhang Zhongqi has an incredibly dominant personality, one that would never allow him to admit to a mistake.

This trait is well-known to just about everyone here.

Yet, Zhang Zhongqi's recent behavior has left them baffled and even astounded.

Suddenly, a realization seems to dawn on them, and their eyes take on an eerie glint.

They seem to grasp the reason behind Zhang Zhongqi's actions...

Lee Zi is bewildered.

If it were any other teacher from Adirang Academy, she wouldn't give it a second thought.

Anyone else subjected to such treatment would likely hold a grudge.

However, the one offering an apology is none other than Zhang Zhongqi, the principal of Adirang Academy!

Of course, what matters to Lee Zi isn't Zhang Zhongqi's title; it's the man himself!

He is a great figure whom Lee Zi once admired, even considering him a hero among humans!

So, should she accept his apology?

Noticing Lee Zi's perplexed expression, Chu Yi, standing nearby, breathes a sigh of relief.

He understands that Lee Zi is still too emotionally invested.

Thus, Chu Yi steps forward.

"War God Zhang, may I pose a question?"

Chu Yi, unlike the other prodigies, has become a genuine powerhouse.

His ability to slay a mid-tier Diamond Level Demon Beast, a feat that would challenge even the mightiest in the region, along with his status as a genetic warrior, is testament to his Diamond Level strength.

He is a force to be reckoned with.

Therefore, the response to Chu Yi is different from that to others.

Despite his pride, Zhang Zhongqi manages a smile.

"Chu Yi, what question do you have?"

Considering Chu Yi's prowess, his standing, and his relationship with Lee Zi, Zhang Zhongqi cannot help but regard him with seriousness.

Chu Yi looks at Zhang Zhongqi and smiles lightly.

"I'm curious, War God Zhang, are you speaking on behalf of yourself or Adirang Academy?"

He pauses before continuing, "If it's the former, then there's no need to worry. After all, some things are beyond your control, right?"

Zhang Zhongqi's eyebrows twitched ever so slightly at Chu Yi's words. After a brief pause, he pressed on, "And what if I am here on behalf of Adirang Academy?"

Chu Yi's smile grew even more radiant.

"Then, there's even less need for it."

In that instant, a glint of icy resolve flickered in Chu Yi's eyes.

"If you were in his position, would you forgive?"

Indeed...

They were on the verge of taking Lee Zi away to extract the genetic fragments from her body, a move that would not only sever her future in martial arts but also profoundly affect her life going forward.

Should that happen, even if Lee Zi managed to become a Bronze or Silver warrior, her lifespan would be drastically shortened.

It was more than just obliterating her prospects for advancement; it was nearly tantamount to ending her life.

Who could tolerate such a thing?

Hence, there was absolutely no need for an apology!

Feeling the firmness in Chu Yi's stance, Zhang Zhongqi at his side fell into silence. It took a long while before he exhaled deeply, fixing Lee Zi with a grave look.

"Is his decision the same as yours?"

Chu Yi's eyebrows gave a subtle twitch.

Well, this was a direct challenge.

He didn't ask himself, for Zhang Zhongqi had already gauged his resolve. Meanwhile, Lee Zi seemed uncertain.

This gave Zhang Zhongqi a glimmer of hope.

Yet Chu Yi remained silent, aware that this was a personal hurdle for Lee Zi.

Some issues, after all, required Lee Zi to confront and unravel on her own.

Lee Zi stayed quiet for a lengthy period, under the scrutiny of many onlookers who cast peculiar glances, particularly the high-ranking officials from the federal government.

They understood that if Lee Zi chose to forgive, they might still have a chance.

If Lee Zi were merely a young prodigy or an elite fighter, those government heavyweights, including Zhang Zhongqi, wouldn't bother with apologies.

A mistake was a mistake.

They never expected forgiveness after erring.

But Lee Zi was different.

Just as the Aristocratic Alliance recognized Chu Yi's potential, the government officials saw the promise in Lee Zi.

They believed that Lee Zi, too, had the potential to be admitted into the Milky Way Academy.

Although Lee Zi might not be on par with Chu Yi, her entry into the Milky Way Academy could change everything.

It's important to understand that the Academy isn't focused on one's current strength, but rather on potential.

The greater the potential, the better the chances of being admitted.

The three coveted recommendation spots are held by the Human Milky Way Alliance, which also places a high value on potential. After all, sending someone without promise to the Academy would serve no benefit to their future endeavors.

All eyes were on Lee Zi.

After a myriad of expressions, Lee Zi's face finally settled into calmness.

"I accept your apology, whatever it may be..."

At her words, a wave of relief washed over Zhang Zhongqi and the other officials.

But just as they were about to respond, Lee Zi spoke up again.

"So, let's consider the past erased. We're square."

Lee Zi had long felt indebted to Adirang Academy for providing the resources she needed to grow. Even though those resources now seemed insignificant to her, they had been crucial when she needed them most.

Her feelings toward Adirang Academy were complex, to say the least.

But today, taking Zhang Zhongqi's apology as a turning point, Lee Zi found her peace.

"Starting today, there's no connection between me and Adirang Academy. There won't be any now, nor will there ever be again," she declared with unwavering conviction, leaving Zhang Zhongqi and the government officials visibly stiffened.

They realized Lee Zi wasn't as naive as they had presumed.

Clearly, she had been aware of their intentions from the start.

"Lee Zi..."