Chapter 92: Reigniting The Fighting Spirit

For the first time, Fang Buyi and the others realized that just staying alive was already a tremendous struggle for some people. They had often lamented about how impoverished their own lives were. They had complained about the unfairness of fate, wondering why, out of so many people, they were neither wealthy nor exceptionally talented.

Often, they could only bow their heads to hide their feelings of inferiority. As the lowest rung of society in the rule-of-law district, life for them was filled with difficulties and misfortunes. They had taken pride in their efforts and struggles. They believed they had given their all. They were delicate yet sensitive. Proud yet humble. That was who they were.

They thought they had seen and tasted the hardships of the world. But Li Xiaofei's words deeply shook their hearts. They realized that some people had it even harder, and worked even more tirelessly.

Li Xiaofei looked at them sincerely and earnestly. "If on that winter morning, Little Aunt, dizzy from hunger and unable to see, had chosen to ignore the crying baby in the bone-chilling fog, then perhaps at this moment, I would be rotting in the ground, my bones long devoured by wild dogs."

Fang Buyi, Liu Xiao, and the others put themselves in his shoes. Indeed, the thought of one's life hinging on the whim of another was terrifying and despairing.

Li Xiaofei continued, "Are the setbacks you are facing now more difficult than what Little Aunt faced back then?"

Fang Buyi and the others thought for a moment and shook their heads.

Li Xiaofei asked again, "Are they more difficult than my situation when I was six or seven years old?"

Fang Buyi and the others shook their heads once more.

Li Xiaofei's voice suddenly rose, "Then why give up?"

Fang Buyi, Liu Xiao, and Ren Dong were startled, shivering in unison.

Liu Xiao stammered, "It's not giving up, it's just that we... we're too weak. We don't want... don't want to drag you down. We don't have enough ability."

"Drag down? Ability?" Li Xiaofei replied, laughing.

Proud and heartfelt, he said, "When Little Aunt saved me, she didn't consider whether she had the ability to feed and clothe a baby, whether she could provide a life of luxury, or whether she would become a burden when the baby grew up."

Liu Xiao was speechless. Yes, no matter how bad the situation, could it be more desperate than what Li Xiaofei and his aunt faced back then?

Li Xiaofei continued, "Have I ever considered you all a burden?"

They shook their heads in unison.

Li Xiaofei looked at Yan Chiyu, standing nearby, and asked, "Has Captain Yan ever considered you a burden?"

"No, no, absolutely not."

"Senior Yan treats us like her own siblings."

"She helps us in every possible way."

They hastily denied, shaking their heads vigorously.

Li Xiaofei continued, "So, it's Principal Chen and Teacher Qin who consider you a burden?"

"How could that be?"

"The principal and Teacher Qin treat us like their own children."

"They give us the best things, like the first choice of cultivation resources."

They quickly explained again.

Li Xiaofei nodded with sudden understanding. "Then I see, it's you who consider yourselves a burden."

They all immediately hung their heads, faces full of guilt.

Li Xiaofei looked disappointed as he declared firmly, "Everyone believes in you and cares for you, yet you let a single match's outcome make you give up on your dream of being martial arts champions. You start doubting yourselves and retreat in confusion... In that case, you indeed don't deserve to be my teammates. I don't need cowardly teammates."

Fang Buyi and the others practically buried their heads in their chests. They wished they could dig a hole in the ground and disappear into it.

Li Xiaofei continued, "If you're weak, then train a hundred times harder. If you lack resources, fight tooth and nail to obtain them. If your talent is lacking, spend even more time honing your technique. At least we can still cultivate. In the slum, many people never get such an opportunity in their entire lives.."

These were his heartfelt words. Five hundred years ago, Li Xiaofei had been obsessed with ancient martial arts, spending countless energy, money, and time. But he had achieved nothing. During those years, he constantly moved forward while lost, and continued despite uncertainty. His will was forged to be exceptionally strong.

Li Xiaofei's words deeply moved his teammates. They could clearly feel that within this boy their age, there beat a heart of unwavering determination and fervent desire to become stronger.

“I'm... I'm sorry,” Liu Xiao said, his face flushed.

Li Xiaofei smiled and asked, “So, will you help me?”

“Huh?” Liu Xiao was taken aback.

Li Xiaofei explained, “There are still two rounds left in team mode. I can't compete alone, can I?”

Liu Xiao looked at Fang Buyi and the other three.

The freckled loli Ren Dong said, “But didn't you take them down by yourself?”

Li Xiaofei replied, “I still need four teammates to enter the competition.”

Fang Buyi stepped forward and said, “I’m in.”

“So am I,” Ren Dong said enthusiastically. “It's just dying again, what's there to be afraid of?”

Bai Longfei, who had remained calm, brushed his hair aside and said, “Dying again? Who can kill me with Brother Li protecting me? I'm sticking with Brother Li for a thrilling ride.”

Liu Xiao gritted his teeth. "If you need someone to make up the numbers, I can do it too."

Li Xiaofei smiled and said, "It's not just about making up the numbers. In the last match, the team from Longteng High School used a rush tactic and didn't develop properly, so their equipment and armor were poor. Their medic, beastmaster, and weapons specialist couldn’t properly support their offensive. This second match won't be as easy. When they combine their forces properly, I can't take them down alone. I need everyone's help."

Fang Buyi asked, "What do you need us to do?"

Li Xiaofei confidently replied, "I believe Longteng High School won't be arrogant enough to use the rush tactic again. So, we have time to regroup and develop our strategy. We'll stick to the tactics we've practiced in training. With your support, I can definitely take them down again."

"Alright."

"No problem."

"Let's do this."

The boys and girls joined hands.

"Let's go!"

They shouted loudly.

Standing to the side, Chen Fei and Grandpa Qin wore calm, relaxed smiles. But in reality, their excitement was about to burst through the roof.

Finding a treasure? This was it.

If Li Xiaofei's extraordinary strength in battle had shocked them before, his recent speech, which reignited the fighting spirit in his teammates, truly left them in awe.

He could take on five opponents alone. He could motivate and counsel his team. He had a mature mindset. He could unite and inspire his teammates. Such a young man was far beyond the mere label of a genius.

Red Flag High School was truly blessed to have Li Xiaofei. Even Yan Chiyu, standing nearby, had an unusual smile on her face. No matter how deep her prejudices, she had to admit that Li Xiaofei was a competent and exceptional teammate.

At almost the same time, loud roars erupted from the nearby Longteng High School preparation area. Yan Chiyu turned her head to look.

She saw the Beast Zheng Shou and his team glaring fiercely in their direction. It seemed they had recovered from the demoralizing defeat of the first match and were once again filled with fighting spirit.