What cannot be obtained on the battlefield cannot be obtained at the negotiating table

After confirming Gu Yu's identity, the people around began to look at the young man with respect in their eyes.

"The best top scholar in fifty years, no wonder he was taken as a disciple by a Grandmaster..."

"I've only seen the Grandmaster's name in the author column of textbooks, never met him in person..."

The crowd was filled with envious murmurs.

For Gu Yu, this kind of treatment was something he was used to, even tired of.

Amid the commotion, Gu Yu looked toward the school leaders on the main stage.

"Principal, esteemed leaders, if there's no other agenda, let's get straight to the point.

There's been a lot going on lately, no need to waste more time."

Gu Yu, a young junior, showed no stage fright in front of the school leaders.

As he spoke, he urged the leaders not to drag things out.

Hearing this, Principal Yin's expression turned slightly uncomfortable.

But thinking of his reputation and his status as a Grandmaster's disciple, that discomfort quickly faded.

"Both sides for the sparring are here, so there's no need to waste time.

Today's match isn't a formal duel.

It's just to determine who's superior, who wins and loses, so everyone understands why they didn't qualify for the Youth Martial Tournament.

If there are no issues, both sides have ten minutes for final preparations."

Just as Principal Yin finished speaking, Gu Yu thought of something else.

"By the way, Principal, please clarify the rules of this sparring.

Especially whether there will be any unreasonable disputes or refusal to accept the outcome afterward.

Before I came, Senior Brother Jin Fan specifically reminded me.

He said I should make this clear before making a move, to avoid any trouble after the match."

As he spoke, Gu Yu's gaze swept over Li Yuan.

The school leaders on the main stage naturally understood what Gu Yu meant.

In fact, Principal Yin also felt it was best to clarify things in advance.

Without hesitation, Principal Yin looked at Li Yuan and spoke sternly.

"Let's settle this first to avoid chaos later. Teacher Li Yuan, you've seen how lenient the school has been with you.

We, the school leaders, have tolerated such reckless behavior.

But if you still refuse to be reasonable and cooperate after the match, don't blame us for getting angry!"

Registration for the Youth Martial Tournament required Li Yuan's confirmation.

The qualification was earned through Li Yuan's accumulated merit points.

After the school submitted the participant list, Li Yuan still had to agree to use that qualification.

Principal Yin was warning Li Yuan that if he lost the match and still refused to hand over the qualification, they would retaliate harshly.

Hearing this, Li Yuan looked at Principal Yin.

In front of everyone, he directly retorted, "I haven't seen any leniency from the school.

The Youth Martial Tournament qualification was earned through three years of my hard work.

Fighting for something that rightfully belongs to me here—I really don't see how that's leniency."

The onlookers heard this and began discussing among themselves.

Some students didn't know that the Youth Martial Tournament qualification was something Li Yuan had worked hard to earn.

Hearing rumors from others, they thought Li Yuan was just being stubborn.

The school leaders weren't inexperienced novices. Faced with the accusation, Principal Yin's face showed even more righteousness.

"The ranking of the Youth Martial Tournament affects the school's reputation and Lingshan City's standing.

Teacher Li Yuan, you know your own level, and I know it even better.

As the principal of Lingshan No.1 High School, I won't allow the reputation of the school and the city to be trampled on.

If you think you're capable, then prove it to the school today!"

As expected of a principal who had served at the school for many years.

With just a few words, he seemed to have the moral high ground again.

He made this sparring sound completely justified.

Li Yuan couldn't be bothered to argue further with them. Words had no decisive power.

There's a saying: what you can't win on the battlefield, you won't win at the negotiating table.

Li Yuan's current predicament was exactly that.

No matter how silver-tongued he was, he couldn't reclaim his competition spot with just a few words.

Even if he argued Principal Yin and the others into silence, the Youth Martial Tournament qualification still wouldn't fall back into his hands.

This very duel, on the other hand, was comparatively favorable.

With that thought, Li Yuan raised his voice to the gathered crowd. "If I lose this match, I'll naturally give up the Youth Martial Tournament spot.

If I win, I hope the school leaders won't come up with any more high-sounding excuses."

"The school leaders won't stoop to your level of pettiness. You needn't worry about that."

Principal Yin's face remained stern; in public, he upheld the dignity of his office.

Watching Principal Yin put on that act, Li Yuan wasn't angered.

As long as he'd said his piece in front of everyone, the rest was up to the man's pretense.

Gu Yu, standing nearby, was quite satisfied with this.

Though promises could be broken at any time, at least Li Yuan had spoken up. If the other side still wanted to save face, they'd be too embarrassed to renege.

"No further objections? Then take your final ten minutes of rest.

In ten minutes, the match begins!"

On the podium, Director Ma rose to announce, pushing the duel forward.

This time, neither Li Yuan nor Gu Yu raised any objections. But just then, Chen Yong pushed through the crowd and voiced a loud protest.

"This match was originally set for Teacher Jin Fan to issue the challenge.

Today, you casually swap in someone else—can you just call in a ringer like that?

Does that mean Teacher Li Yuan can also bring in someone to compete for him?"

Li Yuan hadn't expected Chen Yong to suddenly speak up.

By helping him out like this, Chen Yong was inevitably bringing trouble onto himself.

Not far away, Gu Yu heard this and pondered for a moment.

"This teacher might be misunderstanding something. If Senior Brother Jin Fan wanted a ringer, he certainly wouldn't have chosen me.

I have some minor skills, but compared to Senior Brother Jin Fan, I'm at most seventy percent of his strength.

Senior Brother Jin Fan is the most talented disciple under our mentor.

Our mentor has said he will definitely become a Grandmaster in the future.

For me to take part in today's match instead is actually more favorable for Teacher Li Yuan."

Gu Yu's explanation was perfectly clear and utterly candid.

He seemed to feel no shame at all in admitting he was inferior to Jin Fan.

And the crowd was stunned by that "he will definitely become a Grandmaster in the future."

Did this teacher from No. 1 High really have such outstanding martial talent?

Hearing this, Chen Yong didn't dwell on that point and pressed on with another objection.

"This match today is meant to win the Youth Martial Tournament qualification from Teacher Li Yuan.

Teacher Jin Fan has the right to challenge for it, but so should every other teacher at No. 1 High."

At Chen Yong's words, Li Yuan immediately understood his intent.

His good friend was trying to use some tactics to first wear down Gu Yu's stamina.

Hearing this, Gu Yu remained perfectly composed.

Before Principal Yin or the others could respond, Gu Yu looked around.

"I have no problem with that. The teachers of No. 1 High can spar with me first, and the winner can then challenge Teacher Li Yuan.

This teacher, are you going to contend for this challenge qualification?"

Chen Yong was suddenly put on the spot. He wanted to help Li Yuan, but his martial strength was truly a cut below.

And he might even end up injured...