C209 Manage Your Dogs Well

Zhang Zhongqi's expression became rigid, as though he was on the verge of speaking.

"War God Zhang, there's no need for further words."

"Honestly, I respect your history and the contributions you've made to humanity."

"But that's all I respect!"

"I respect your deeds, not you as a person!"

That was the essence of Lee Zi's message.

It was straightforward and unvarnished, albeit somewhat discourteous.

Everyone vividly recalled Lee Zi's initial excitement upon encountering Zhang Zhongqi.

Yet, in just a short span, such a dramatic shift had taken place, clearly triggered by one factor—

All eyes turned to Chu Yi.

They realized that if not for Chu Yi, Lee Zi might have accepted the apology and possibly even returned to the fold of Adirang Academy.

But Chu Yi's presence had led Lee Zi to a markedly different choice.

Hatred? It was difficult to pinpoint. At any rate, the government officials were not favorably disposed towards Chu Yi.

Chu Tianfeng, for his part, remained nonchalant.

He recognized his own fault in alienating a prodigy like Lee Zi. Who else could be blamed?

Chu Tianfeng was convinced that Lee Zi, true to her nature, would have borne no grudge for the revocation of her special status at Adirang Academy if the faculty hadn't overstepped. She would have likely remained loyal to the institution.

And what if the government officials did resent Chu Yi? What of it?

Chu Tianfeng was well aware of Chu Yi's capabilities...

"Well then, if this is your decision, so be it."

"Lee Zi, I hope you won't come to regret this..."

Zhang Zhongqi had reached his limit.

As a 'War God' without the title, his stature within the alliance was exceedingly prestigious. He wouldn't have sought out a student to apologize if not for overwhelming pressure.

The fact that the apology was either rejected or accepted in such a manner was already a testament to Zhang Zhongqi's utmost forbearance.

Zhang Zhongqi couldn't hide his discomfort upon hearing Lee Zi's response. After all, he had come to apologize, and her dismissive attitude was a blow to his pride.

Lee Zi remained unfazed by Zhang Zhongqi's words, but Chu Yi, who stood beside her, couldn't help but laugh—a dark, sardonic chuckle. "What exactly are you implying, War God Zhang? Is this a threat?"

Chu Yi's retort caught Zhang Zhongqi off guard. The words he had spoken were meant to be mere formalities, born out of frustration. Whether they were a threat, well, he probably knew the answer to that. But now, being directly challenged by Chu Yi, a younger man, Zhang Zhongqi's irritation flared. "If you think it's a threat, then so be it!" he snapped, too proud to justify himself to someone he considered his junior.

Chu Yi's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. The air grew tense with awkwardness.

"Since you, as an elder, have issued a threat," Chu Yi began, "it would be impolite of us juniors not to take a lesson from it."

Zhang Zhongqi's eyes narrowed. "Oh? And I'm curious to hear how you plan to respond."

Lee Zi, growing anxious, reached out to tug at Chu Yi's sleeve. But Chu Yi simply patted her head reassuringly, as one might comfort a child, before stepping closer to Zhang Zhongqi.

"How will I respond?" Chu Yi echoed. "By returning the threat, of course."

A chill seemed to emanate from Zhang Zhongqi, his presence growing colder by the second. The other influential figures present remained silent, their smiles betraying a keen interest in the unfolding drama.

As for Chu Yi, there was no need for further comment. Even though he was associated with the Aristocratic Alliance, and they were counting on him to secure power for Redmarsh, their affection for him was far from genuine. With Chu Tianfeng present, they were confident that no real danger would ensue.

Chu Tianfeng was truly a War God, but not in the same vein as Zhang Zhongqi!

Speaking of Zhang Zhongqi...

He wasn't well-liked either.

His arrogance was off-putting. Had it not been for his indispensable role, he would have been ousted to obscurity long ago.

That's precisely why Zhang Zhongqi ended up as the principal of Adirang Academy rather than one of the military's marshals.

With his record of service, becoming a marshal should have been a certainty.

Yet, he was merely the principal of Adirang Academy.

To the average person, leading one of the top three academies on Earth might seem like a significant achievement. However, to those in the upper echelons of power, even the principal of the number one academy is just that—a principal.

When conflict arose between the two, onlookers were more than happy to sit back and enjoy the drama.

Intervene or persuade?

Out of the question.

Chu Tianfeng remained silent, merely edging closer.

His gaze lacked any trace of concern.

He had faith in Chu Yi's abilities and was ready to let him handle the situation.

"Threatening me?" Zhang Zhongqi couldn't help but feel amused.

He gazed at Chu Yi's youthful face, which reminded him of his own once arrogant self.

Back then, he too was fearless, convinced he was the sole protagonist.

Such individuals disregard rules and constraints, wielding their power with reckless abandon.

But the stronger they are, the less they tolerate others of the same ilk.

To them, one such presence is more than enough.

"Indeed, it's not a personal attack against you."

"My threat—if you can even call it that."

Chu Yi blinked, his demeanor suddenly innocuous.

But those who had seen Chu Yi's assertiveness knew better than to take this seemingly timid young man at face value.

"Anyone who harms Lee Zi..."

Chu Yi's tone turned grave. "I don't care about your reasons or excuses."

"Regardless of your status, identity, or the extent of your influence and contributions to humanity."

"Then, once I'm aware of it..."

A sinister smile crept onto Chu Yi's face, starkly contrasting with his previously innocent demeanor.

"I won't need any evidence to act..."

"And I won't stop until I've eliminated everyone involved in this affair..."

All the individuals present were influential figures, having witnessed countless events.

Though they appeared to be peers of Chu Tianfeng, many were old enough to be his grandfather.

Yet, in the martial world, seniority isn't determined by age alone.

These veterans had seen it all, so when Chu Yi spoke, they sensed his malevolent nature.

Indeed, he was malevolent!

Typical noble families, or cultivators for that matter, would always put their own interests first, compromising for the sake of benefit.

But Chu Yi disregarded these norms.

His intentions were straightforward.

Should anyone harm Lee Zi, Chu Yi would turn the tables on them!

It didn't matter who they were or how significant, anyone involved would not be spared by Chu Yi!

To the average person, Chu Yi's behavior might seem too radical, even nefarious.

What if one day Lee Zi were to stray onto an evil path and threaten the world?

Would Chu Yi still stand by Lee Zi then?

Clearly...

Chu Yi had even addressed this scenario.

It was about—

Protection!

Regardless of the circumstances, if anyone dared to harm Lee Zi, Chu Yi would show no mercy!

"Good, very good indeed!"

Zhang Zhongqi gazed at Chu Yi's earnest expression and exhaled deeply.

"I look forward to seeing you follow through on that day."

"Chu Yi, isn't it?"

"I'll remember you..."

Zhang Zhongqi harbored his own anger.

Clearly, Chu Yi's earlier comment about not daring to contribute much to humanity was a direct jab at him, Zhang Zhongqi!

But now, Zhang Zhongqi had no grounds to take issue with Chu Yi.

He was acutely aware of the current sentiment; these people didn't care for him, and Zhang Zhongqi understood that all too well.

He didn't want those he disliked to revel in his embarrassment.

Of course, Zhang Zhongqi had another compelling reason.

Chu Yi's grandfather, Chu Tianfeng, was a bona fide War God.

Despite his arrogance and immense pride, Zhang Zhongqi was no fool.

He knew better than to persist in a losing facade, only to be humiliated in the end.

Such foolishness might be acceptable to others, but it was not something Zhang Zhongqi would ever consider.

Having made his point, Zhang Zhongqi turned to leave.

Yet clearly, Chu Yi wasn't about to let the matter drop so easily.

Allow the man to strut away after such an unconvincing display of bravado?

Absolutely not!

Even if the act wasn't convincing, it was still an affront to Chu Yi himself!

He, Chu Yi, could not let this slide.

So, he spoke up.

"War God Zhang, hold on a moment."

Zhang Zhongqi paused.

"What now? Do you have a proclamation to make?"

Proclamation...

Using such a term for someone as young as Chu Yi was laughable.

Chu Yi was aware that Zhang Zhongqi was deliberately trying to irk him.

But with the upper hand, calm as a seasoned hound, why stoop to his level?

"We can set aside any talk of proclamations for now."

"I do have a friendly piece of advice for War God Zhang, from your perspective and for your benefit."

Chu Yi feigned a considerate demeanor.

Zhang Zhongqi gave no response but didn't walk away, standing his ground instead.

He was evidently curious about Chu Yi's forthcoming words.

Though he suspected Chu Yi's intentions weren't purely altruistic, ignoring the advice might lead to his own embarrassment.

"Ahem, it's quite simple. I just want to remind War God Zhang to be mindful of your surroundings when you're preoccupied."

"Especially..."

Chu Yi's eyes narrowed, his smile growing ever more radiant.

"Keep your dog under control!"