NOVEL WEB Chapter 16: Chapter 16
"I heard from Ichiro and the others that it was our people here who took action first."
Looking at the growing crowd around him, one of the shy students was a bit worried.
It seemed that the development of the affair was a bit beyond his expectations. Originally it was a very common quarrel between the two parties, but now it seemed that they couldn't hold back at all.
As for Ichiro, he was one of the few people who had difficulty dealing with Takashi Nagase. Basically, every time he saw Takashi, he wanted to find an opportunity to bully him, but this time, because Takashi was practicing martial arts with Lin Cheng, he couldn't do it again.
"Of course I know it was Ichiro and the others who made the first move."
"But this has nothing to do with not taking action first, do you understand?".
When the teacher heard the words of the student in front of him, he scoffed and said, "This matter is between our Sakura Town Martial Arts School and Seiji Martial Arts School. You only need to look from one side. It has nothing to do with you."
Although Seiji Martial Arts School's business had been relatively normal since its opening, it posed no direct threat to Sakura Martial Arts School.
But this did not mean that the Seiji Martial Arts School could not come to pose a threat. Now that a reason had arrived at their doorstep, Sakura Martial Arts School had to take action.
It's like when ants come up to someone's table to eat. No matter how insignificant their consumption, humans do not like to share their table with insects.
Sakura Martial Arts School was considered the human, and Seiji Martial Arts School, the ants.
"But, master."
"I heard that the owner of Seiji Martial Arts School is very powerful."
At that moment, another student of Fujimoto Martial Arts School said earnestly, "I remember that during this year's Cherry Blossom Festival, Master Lin Cheng defeated the legendary 'Demon' with a single punch.
Although I don't know if it's true, I think Master Lin Cheng should have some skill."
Relying on his incredible performance at the festival, Lin Cheng gained some fame in Sakura Town. Otherwise, Seijii Martial Arts School would not have managed to enroll four or five students in half a year.
Of course, because there were not many people present at the time, most doubted Lin Cheng's real abilities.
"So what if he has some ability?"
"Do you also believe such clearly exaggerated rumors?".
Compared to the students, the instructors showed disbelief on their faces. Although exaggerations were not common, martial arts schools often used them as promotional strategies.
"It's okay, this doesn't change anything."
"You just have to watch from the side while our Fujimoto Martial Arts School, look for an explanation of Seiji Martial Arts School."
At that moment, Lin Cheng slowly appeared.
Looking at Takashi Nagase, who was lying unconscious on the ground, Lin Cheng narrowed his eyes and calmly said, "The students' matters should be handled by themselves in private."
"There is no need to involve the teachers."
Although Lin Cheng was not optimistic about Takashi Nagase's future, he was not going to allow someone to treat him unfairly while he was under his tutelage.
Lin Cheng looked straight at the Fujimoto Martial Arts School instructor as calmly as ever. Although he seemed relaxed, his words had an edge that made one shudder.
"Haha, you must be Lin Cheng, the owner of Seiji Martial Arts School," the instructor said with a smirk.
"Your students have dared to cause trouble in our school, ignoring our instructors. I am here to ask for an explanation."
"Our teachers and students were hurt to avoid hurting yours. Now, I'm giving you two choices."
"Either you give us a reasonable explanation and sincerely apologize to the injured students and instructors of our school, or we resort to the traditional rules between martial arts schools to resolve this matter."
"In other words, have one of our teachers come and compete with you."
The master of Fujimoto Martial Arts School spoke arrogantly, as if he owned the situation. He placed the responsibility entirely on Lin Cheng's shoulders, painting himself as the defender of justice.
"Interesting," Lin Cheng muttered.
"So this is what they call kicking the gym?" he asked, with an expression that mixed irony and humor.
Lin Cheng's personality had always been relaxed and carefree, but if someone provoked him and put a metaphorical weapon in his hand, he would not hesitate to act.
Until now, Lin Cheng had been considering how Sakura Martial Arts School should explain his behavior, but now it seemed that things had become simpler.
Resolving the conflict directly with a traditional confrontation was not only clearer, but also a way to increase his gym's reputation and income.
"Exactly," the instructor replied. "The master of our Martial Arts School is someone you couldn't compare yourself to."
As he continued speaking, the instructor did not notice the change in Lin Cheng's expression. But the crowd around them, who had been watching everything, did notice.
In the blink of an eye, Lin Cheng, who had been several meters away, appeared right in front of the instructor. His speed was such that normal eyes could not follow him.
"You..." the instructor stammered.
Before he could say anything else, Lin Cheng grabbed him by the neck with one hand, lifting him slightly off the ground.
"I think you're right," Lin Cheng said, with a polite but intimidating smile.
"Then let's settle this the way martial arts schools usually do."
"Why wait another day? Let's better settle this matter right now."
The instructor struggled uselessly in his hands, while Lin Cheng dropped him to the ground with complete indifference.
"According to the rules, it's enough to defeat everyone who can be defeated in the gym to consider it a success, right?".
Lin Cheng smiled as he looked at the Fujimoto Martial Arts School students, who were watching him in fear, and the two remaining instructors, who were now too terrified to intervene.
"Mitsuri, help Takashi get inside and let him rest," Lin Cheng said, turning his attention back to Mitsuri.
"It looks like we'll be able to afford to upgrade our food soon."
Kanroji Mitsuri, always upbeat and optimistic, responded excitedly. The prospect of more delicious food made her glow with excitement.
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You may have noticed this already, but I used the kanji for both of their names in Japanese to form the word Seiji. To me, it sounds better than Chengli, which is the word they used to create the dojo, with the surnames of both of them.
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