"It seems the two brothers really aren't getting along," Yao Hong muttered.
Many people frowned in displeasure. "This Fang Yuan is just too cruel, to treat his own brother like this."
"Fang Yuan is so vicious, he's extorted our primeval stones for a whole year! And now he's done this to his own brother." The students ground their teeth. Fang Yuan's ruthless behavior aroused their shared hatred and united them against him.
"Fang Zheng, stand up, stand up! Down with Fang Yuan!" someone among the students shouted.
"Down with Fang Yuan! Down with Fang Yuan!" Instantly, countless youths joined in.
"This Fang Yuan really is a detestable person." Mo Yan snorted coldly, somewhat gloating.
"Fang Zheng, come on, stand up! Down with Fang Yuan! Section 85: Hot Blood and Cold Blood!! This devil!"
"Fang Zheng, stand up, we support you."
"Fang Zheng, go for it, go for it!"
The crowd was excited, each shout reaching Fang Zheng's ears.
Huff! Huff! Huff! Huff!
Fang Zheng gasped heavily. These sounds entered his heart and gave him an invisible strength!
Scenes from the past reemerged in his mind.
On the street, clan members pointed.
"That's Fang Yuan, a future genius, not to be underestimated!"
"Who's that behind him?"
"Oh, must be Fang Yuan's younger brother, I don't know his name."
......
Uncle and aunt smiled. "Fang Yuan, the whole village is talking about the poem you composed! Good, your uncle and aunt are proud of you."
Fang Yuan waved his hand, his expression indifferent. "Just an impromptu composition, inspired by the moment."
Uncle and aunt nodded repeatedly and said to Fang Zheng, "Learn from your brother. If you were half as good as him, we wouldn't worry."
......
Under the moonlight, deep in the courtyard.
Patriarch Gu Yue Bo looked at Fang Zheng, Section 85: Hot Blood and Cold Blood!!, and said gently, "Fang Zheng, have confidence. You need to discover yourself, believe in yourself."
"But, Patriarch..."
Gu Yue Bo patted his shoulder and encouraged, "Others can't dispel the shadows in your heart. You have to do it yourself. I look forward to that day."
......
The night before the year-end assessment.
Shen Cui stood in the light, gazing at Fang Zheng with affection. "Young master, I believe you can come first. I've always believed in that! Go for it!"
......
Morning departure.
Uncle and aunt stood at the door to see him off. "Fang Zheng, after the year-end assessment, you'll leave the academy. We're so gratified to see you grow! Go, let everyone see your Grade A excellence!"
And also...
Under the sunset, in a dim corner, a female classmate was sobbing. "My stipend is only three primeval stones each time, and with Fang Yuan taking one, I only have two left. I can barely afford to feed my Moonlight Gu."
Fang Zheng's heart softened. "Here, take my primeval stones."
The female classmate took the stones, tears in her eyes. "Fang Zheng, you're so kind. Please, you must defeat your brother and stop him from causing any more harm in the academy!"
Fang Zheng was silent.
A group of classmates appeared before him.
"Fang Zheng, you have Grade A talent, you can definitely do it."
"Fang Yuan is too vile, he's always oppressing us. You're our only hope."
"Fang Zheng, from today on, we'll follow you. We all support you!"
"Everyone..." Fang Zheng looked around at the earnest, hopeful eyes, and for a moment was too moved to speak.
......
Everyone...
Everyone has been expecting me.
My classmates, uncle and aunt, Shen Cui, and the Patriarch!
Everyone is waiting for me, watching me, supporting me...
How can I lose? How can I fall here? How can I!
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
His heartbeat pounded like a giant drum in his chest. Divine light burst from Fang Zheng's eyes.
I cannot fall here!
I must break the shadows, I must stand up!!
Fang Zheng's fists clenched tightly. Pain left him at this moment. He felt as if a male lion had awakened in his chest, opening its maw and beginning to roar!
Hot blood boiled in his body.
Stand up, stand up!
Break the shadows, break the darkness!