Vice Director Zeng Chang's Motives

Zeng Chang's tone still revealed nothing about his purpose today.

Coercion and bribery?

It didn't quite feel like that either.

Registration had already closed, and there was no way to swap out.

Besides, back at No. 1 High School, things had escalated to the point where only a duel could settle it.

As long as Deputy Director Zeng Chang had heard the news, he should know where Li Yuan stood.

"Thirty years old, and this is your first time participating in the Youth Martial Tournament.

To be honest, it's a bit late, and quite rare."

Zeng Chang wasn't wrong about that.

Those gifted prodigies usually showed their talent back in middle school.

By twenty-one or twenty-two, they'd be recommended for the Youth Martial Tournament.

Sure, there were thirty-year-old martial artists in the tournament, but they were never first-timers.

Some were on their third or even fourth attempt.

"Everyone has a first time. Maybe this first time I'll pull off a decent result?

Director Zeng, I'll be straight with you.

No matter what, I'm holding onto this Youth Martial Tournament spot."

In front of Zeng Chang, Li Yuan didn't hide it anymore.

Lately, he'd been pushing through one obstacle after another.

He'd fought hard to earn that qualification, and he wasn't about to give it up.

Besides, he was counting on this tournament to break through to the Fifth Grade.

Zeng Chang, sitting across from him, smiled and waved his hand repeatedly.

"Don't misunderstand, don't misunderstand. I'm not trying to take your spot.

I did have that intention before, and I supported letting Jin Fan participate in the Youth Martial Tournament.

But things have already reached this point, and the roster is set.

Also, I heard you earned this spot entirely on your own merit points.

From a big-picture perspective, I shouldn't make you step down.

But by both reason and emotion, there's really no grounds to stop you."

Hearing Deputy Director Zeng Chang say this, Li Yuan grew more confused.

If it wasn't about the competition spot, then why had he been called here?

To offer a few words of encouragement?

Seeing the confusion on Li Yuan's face, Zeng Chang stopped hiding his intent.

"This year's Youth Martial Tournament, the Lingshan City team will be led by me.

I called you here not to replace you.

I'm telling you to give it your all in this tournament and fight for a good result.

Top thirty—find a way to break into the top thirty!"

Zeng Chang's expression was serious. He was making his core demand clear to Li Yuan.

"That day at the Open Class, I listened carefully to your lecture.

Your understanding of techniques and martial skills far exceeds that of an average middle school teacher.

And you beat Gu Yu in the duel—maybe there was some luck, but your practical combat skills aren't bad.

Fighting for a top-thirty spot—you've got a chance!"

With that said, Zeng Chang stood up and left.

A moment later, he returned carrying a box.

He opened it, revealing thirty-five bottles of B-grade Nutrient Fluid inside.

"These are supplies distributed for the Youth Martial Tournament. I'm giving them to you early today, plus five extra bottles as my personal sponsorship.

Also, I've arranged a wilderness training session for you.

I heard you've never participated in any external training all these years. You need to get used to it first."

Zeng Chang's approach caught Li Yuan completely off guard.

He'd seen countless cases of leaders dangling empty promises.

This was the first time someone handed over the benefits first, then asked him to meet their demands.

Li Yuan stood up, looking at the B-grade Nutrient Fluid before him—it would be a lie to say he didn't want it.

But Li Yuan was thirty years old now, and he knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.

Deputy Director Zeng Chang's words sounded fine on the surface.

To boost Lingshan City's ranking, helping the contestants out and pushing himself to fight for a good result.

But when it came to something that affected everyone's interests, would Deputy Director Zeng really be this invested?

Handing out B-grade Nutrient Fluid so freely, being that generous?

"What's wrong? Look down on this B-grade Nutrient Fluid?"

Deputy Director Zeng pushed the case closer to Li Yuan, asking with a smile.

Hesitating, Li Yuan shook his head with a hint of helplessness.

"Director Zeng, I'm a bit slow-witted and also somewhat timid.

A pie falling from the sky—I don't quite dare to take it..."

Li Yuan's words made his meaning clear enough; someone in Zeng Chang's position would definitely understand.

Sure enough, hearing this, Zeng Chang laughed and picked up the conversation.

"A thirty-year-old martial artist and a twenty-year-old one really are different.

Don't worry about me pulling any tricks. Right now, our goals are aligned.

I just want you to get a good result in the Youth Martial Tournament.

I want you to bring me some face!"

Zeng Chang didn't hide it either. Knowing Li Yuan was cautious, he simply laid out his motives.

The director of the Lingshan City Education Bureau was set to retire next year.

There were four deputy directors in the city bureau, all currently vying for the director's position.

Lingshan No.1 High School was under the Education Bureau's jurisdiction. This time, with Jin Fan being replaced, many units in the city were blaming the bureau.

The blame here was really just passing the buck.

If the Youth Martial Tournament ranking still wasn't good this year, the Education Bureau would take the main responsibility.

"The situation right now is that the other three deputy directors all refuse to take on the team leader role this time.

My foundation is shallow. If I want to advance further, I have to step up to these tough tasks.

Li Yuan, I hope I haven't bet on the wrong person this time.

If you bring me face this time, I'll have a chance to move up.

So, helping you now is also helping myself—consider it a gamble!"

With the words laid out this plainly, Li Yuan stood up, accepted the nutrient fluid, and bowed to express his thanks.

Thankful that Zeng Chang was willing to stake his chips on him.

Easy tasks wouldn't bring great merit.

Compared to the other three deputy directors, Zeng Chang knew his position well.

Those easy opportunities to earn credit wouldn't come to him.

Only with this kind of tough problem, seen by everyone as a big mess to take the blame for, did Zeng Chang have a chance.

Two middle-aged men, both giving it their all to break through once.

Li Yuan's resolve grew even stronger in his heart, determined to fight for a ranking.

If he could achieve a decent result this time, it would be no small boost to Deputy Director Zeng Chang's political career.

Naturally, it also meant building a good relationship with the deputy director.

In other words, gaining a valuable connection.

But all of that would have to wait until after the Youth Martial Tournament results came in.

Having said that, Zeng Chang began telling Li Yuan about the practical training he had arranged.

The Youth Martial Tournament wasn't an arena duel; it tested a young martial artist's ability to deal with border beasts.

That was the greatest significance of martial artists to human society.

Protecting the country and its people—that was the core reason martial artists were respected.

As an officially organized competition, the Youth Martial Tournament was also meant to convey a direction.

To tell young people that the nation wanted those who could slay beasts.

Not those who were good at fighting people but whose legs went weak at the sight of a beast.

"The place I've arranged for you is Qijia Town. You can set off the day after tomorrow.

It'll take a day and a night by high-speed rail, so plan your time well.

Stay safe during the training, and don't come back covered in injuries."

This Qijia Town—Li Yuan had heard of it.

But to participate in this kind of training, there were still other obstacles before him.

"Director Zeng, if we use our own identities to join the training, we all need unit approval.

You know my relationship with Principal Yin..."

To make things difficult for Li Yuan, Principal Yin didn't even need to refuse outright.

Just find an excuse to stall...