Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1793 - 987: Solution – Wanting a Solution

~5 minute read · 1,233 words
Previously on Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation...
Zhang Chi and Duan Shigang returned to class with injuries from a "business war." Director Wang interrogated Zhang Chi, who lied about the cause of his injuries. Meanwhile, Yin Yu met with delinquent students Deng Xiang and Ge Hao, who bragged about their dominance on campus. Jiang Ning and Xue Yuantong enjoyed a walk, but their stroll was interrupted by the scent of smoke and the sight of the delinquents bothering students in the garden. Jiang Ning calmly told them to smoke elsewhere.

Under the magnolia tree, smoke curled upwards.

’Get lost?’

When these words reached everyone’s ears, Ge Hao and his group genuinely believed they had misheard.

Ge Hao turned his head, fixing his gaze on Jiang Ning before pointing to himself in sheer disbelief. He couldn’t help but question his companions, "Am I hallucinating from too much smoke?"

Ge Hao's standing, while not quite reaching Duan Shigang's level, was comparable to Deng Xiang's due to his perfected stalking and ambush tactics. He had been quite the notable figure at Iron Middle School in their younger days.

Even though he had advanced to high school, his inherent ruthlessness still empowered him to dominate others.

Now, someone actually dared to utter such presumptuous words!

Truly an old fool asking for a beating!

A nearby individual with a bruised face let out a laugh, slapping his thigh in amusement. "You're like a mouse trying to roar, such a loud mouth!"

Yin Yu observed the unfolding scene with a sense of calm detachment.

Over the past few days spent in Class 8, she had come to understand that Jiang Ning occupied a rather unique position within the class.

Jiang Ning, unfazed and not displaying any anger, continued his steady approach towards them.

Deng Xiang’s eyes locked onto Jiang Ning, and the stinging memories of past humiliations resurfaced within his heart.

During his first year, he had naively believed he could command the entire grade, only for Jiang Ning to brutally shatter that illusion with a swift kick.

'Should I stand my ground or retreat?' he agonized, caught in indecision.

Xue Yuantong interjected from the side, reminding him, "He's ranked third in the grade. Even if he hits you, no serious repercussions will follow!"

Yin Yu, positioned nearby, couldn't suppress a burst of laughter at these words.

Her smile, though subtle, radiated confidence as she stated, "That's quite impressive, but I happen to be a top-three student in the grade as well."

Ge Hao nonchalantly produced a cigarette, offering it to the bruised-faced guy. "Hold onto this for me."

"Brother Hao, are you trying to emulate Lord Guan Yu?" the bruised guy jested.

"Heh heh."

Then, all eyes turned to Ge Hao's back. Although he wasn't physically imposing, his posture exuded the swift agility of a leopard.

"You're the hundredth smart student I've dealt with!" Ge Hao suddenly lunged forward.

The onlookers witnessed a blur as he instantly materialized before Jiang Ning, his hand reaching out to seize Jiang Ning’s collar in a blatant display of arrogance.

The very next second, accompanied by a dull thud, Ge Hao seemed to defy the laws of physics, propelled backward with astonishing speed.

His entire body plummeted from above, crashing directly into the thug holding the cigarette. The sheer force of the impact violently toppled the latter from the bench, leaving both men entangled in a messy heap.

Jiang Ning slowly retracted his foot. "Will you leave of your own accord, or must I escort you out?"

At this precise moment, the delinquents who had been laughing moments before lost all trace of their smiles, their faces now etched with confusion and disbelief.

Deng Xiang clenched his fists, a profound sense of unwillingness washing over him. Last night, he had felt a surge of confidence when confronting Zhang Chi and Duan Shigang, but facing Jiang Ning, his courage completely evaporated. The lingering shadow of past fear was deeply entrenched within him.

He managed to force out a single word, "Leave!"

Others who had previously suffered Jiang Ning's discipline hastily departed, fearful of igniting further conflict. A few helped the dazed Ge Hao and the bruised guy to their feet, leaving the small garden in a state of disarray.

Zhao Xiaofeng nudged Yin Yu, urging, "Let's go too."

Yin Yu's eyes reflected a hint of inquiry.

Zhao Xiaofeng understood her unspoken dissatisfaction but felt powerless. After all, even Brother Tian had been subdued by Jiang Ning; hadn't he ended up completely helpless?

Unable to persuade Yin Yu to depart, Zhao Xiaofeng reluctantly chose to retreat first.

Ultimately, only three individuals remained in the small garden.

With the commotion subsided, the unpleasant odor of smoke dissipated, giving way to the serene beauty of the spring atmosphere.

Yin Yu, seemingly unperturbed by her plans being thwarted, remarked with surprising candor, "Jiang Ning, I had no idea you were quite so capable!"

She scrutinized him openly, as if encountering a fascinating new toy.

It struck her as intriguing that he possessed such prowess within the school, despite living in a remote area and working part-time jobs to support himself.

'This is far too interesting.'

Yin Yu's smile was sweet and genuine, her confidence evident as she continued, "If I had known about your abilities, I wouldn't have associated with them."

"My mother always advises me against befriending individuals who cause trouble; instead, I should seek out companions who are truly worthwhile. In my estimation, you are certainly worth getting to know!"

Yin Yu extended an invitation, "Would you be interested in spending some time with me?"

Xue Yuantong internally scoffed, thinking, 'What a faker.'

Jiang Ning observed Yin Yu's expression, noting her earnest delivery. It was as if she had never even considered Deng Xiang and his cronies anything more than insignificant ants.

It appeared she operated by a set of personal values, categorizing individuals and truly embodying a rebellious spirit.

Without a trace, he surveyed Yin Yu’s form with his Divine Sense, a half-smile playing on his lips. "Do you believe you can handle the consequences, should you speak your mind?"

Yin Yu's charming smile faltered, a tremor running through her mind as if her most guarded secrets had been laid bare.

The subsequent wave of humiliation, mingled with anger and fear, caused her voice to sharpen instantly. "What concern is it of yours whether I can handle it or not!"

Xue Yuantong swiftly moved to take cover behind Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning shot Yin Yu a displeased look, "You should leave as well."

Yin Yu, aware she had lost her composure, composed herself with a forced smile, "Jiang Ning, I was merely teasing you."

Jiang Ning clenched his fist, the sound of cracking joints echoing, "Scram, I hit girls too."

In that instant, Yin Yu genuinely feared she would be struck, and she responded with slight awkwardness, "Even if you hit me a couple of times, it would be fine."

Yet, having spoken those words, she turned and promptly exited the small garden.

Her expression was one of deep dejection.

Just ahead, across from the second teaching building.

Ge Hao, supported by his companions, was clutching his side; the force of the kick had severely impacted his breathing. Ge Hao seethed with impotent rage, "Damn it, if Gangzi hadn't kicked my leg yesterday, I could have dodged that strike!"

"Why didn't any of you step in to help? You're all so disloyal!"

Zhao Xiaofeng inwardly swore he was an imbecile. With the top two students in their year present, if he had intervened, regardless of the outcome, they would have been expelled. He felt a surge of irritation, "Haozi, once you've recovered, I'll help you set up another match with Jiang Ning!"