Chapter 35: My Child, Do Your Best

But Pan Ming had no intention of conceding. Wasn't this young man supposed to be a prodigy? Teacher, you were exaggerating.
"Pan Pingping!"
"Father."
"Be careful when you strike, don't injure this so-called prodigy! Understand?" Pan Ming, still oblivious to the situation, instructed his son to give Ye Kun a proper lesson, as not just anyone deserved the title of genius.
The children all looked at Pan Ming, as if to say, "Uncle, are you serious?"
With adults present, Feng Dian and Yuan Zhen dared not cause trouble, obediently standing aside, as if to declare, "This has nothing to do with us."
Pan Pingping wanted to explain to his father, "Dad, this bald guy..."
"Pingping, don't say more. I know you're worried about hurting him, just go easy." Pan Ming smiled with his hands behind his back, completely missing his son's meaning.
"I..." Pan Pingping wanted to say, "That wretched bald head can't win..."
Pan Ming glared at him fiercely. What’s wrong with you making your father proud? You look so unwilling. Let my teacher see for himself: being called a prodigy isn’t so easily earned.
"Teacher." Ye Kun addressed Old Wei with a respectful gesture.
"Kun Kun, if you feel wronged, just tell your teacher." Old Wei clearly intended to stand up for Ye Kun. Though retired, he still held sway in Ankang Prefecture; giving face was not an issue.
The classmates wanted to tell the teacher that this question should be asked of the other party. Kun-ge had no grievances at all.
Yet Ye Kun's expression just now had indeed seemed aggrieved—a result of his continuous victories. But could such grievances be spoken aloud? Certainly not.
"Teacher, your student has no grievances." Ye Kun replied respectfully. His teacher had always treated him well; he would repay that kindness in the future.
Pan Ming liked this answer, smiling and bowing. "Teacher, since your student wishes to continue, let him."
"Be careful. If it doesn’t work, just stop—don’t force it." Old Wei advised with care.
"I understand, teacher." Ye Kun was no longer intent on winning, but wanted to understand what was happening to his body.
Old Wei stepped aside, silently observing, unwilling to engage with Pan Ming. If Ye Kun got hurt, let the teacher be blamed.
"Pingping, perform well in front of my teacher."
"I... I understand," Pan Pingping replied helplessly. How was he supposed to perform? Sacrifice himself?
Pan Ming was satisfied. Let me, the general, witness firsthand how remarkable this so-called prodigy truly is!

"Boy! You still have time to concede!" Pan Pingping shouted fiercely, bolstering his own courage, since the bald youth before him seemed uncanny.
"You call me 'boy'? Your father and I share the same teacher; by rights, we're of equal standing," Ye Kun retorted.
To try to best me in words—dream on! Kun-ge simply didn't care to respond before.
Old Wei was taken aback, chuckling quietly. He hadn't expected the usually composed Ye Kun to show such wit; it was a pleasant surprise.
"Impudent! How dare you compare yourself to my father? Admit defeat!" Pan Pingping shouted again, as if to scare his opponent off.
Ye Kun tilted his head, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds, and slowly said, "Sometimes, the things you desire never come, and the things you wish to avoid keep seeking you out. How could you possibly understand such feelings?"
"Stop talking nonsense. Admit defeat!"
Ye Kun stood upright, hands behind his back. "Go ahead. Hit me. Use some force."
"You!"
The more Ye Kun behaved this way, the more uneasy Pan Pingping felt. This youth was too strange; who knew what trick he was plotting? Damn it! His father was watching... That cursed bald head! May you never grow hair in your life.
"Go on! He’s even inviting you!" Pan Ming felt the other was too arrogant; his son needed to teach him a lesson.
Pan Pingping was bitter inside. The arrow was nocked, and had to be loosed.
"Thunderlight Fist!" Pan Pingping shouted, and lightning visibly crackled around his right hand...
"Pan Ming! Your son is using martial techniques! Have you no shame?" Old Wei instantly lost his composure. It's one thing to bully those younger, but to use martial arts too?
Pan Ming was puzzled as well. There was no need to use martial arts; a simple punch would suffice.
Still, it was fine. The Thunderlight Fist wasn't a powerful technique—at worst, the prodigy would be bedridden for a few days, learning that there is always someone greater.
Yuan Zhen and Feng Dian were delighted. Goodness, why hadn’t he used this move earlier? How foolish.
Crackle, crackle...
"Boy, take my punch!" Pan Pingping thundered a blow at Ye Kun, his fist snapping and popping with electricity. If hit, he’d drop like a salted fish.
Ye Kun swallowed nervously, but the lightning was dazzling, so he instinctively raised his head to shield his eyes. The casualness of his gesture puzzled the onlookers—it seemed less defensive than merely shielding from the glare!
Pan Pingping’s punch was formidable among his peers, but Ye Kun was no ordinary peer.
As always, those who oppose Kun-ge are either captured or buried.

Ah!
A scream of agony rang out, tightening everyone’s hearts. The pain sounded so intense.
Ye Kun had no idea what had happened; Pan Pingping lay before him writhing in agony on the ground.
You faked the match earlier, Kun-ge tolerated it; now you're faking your fall!
You've ruined the spirit of martial contests!
Pan Pingping clutched his right hand, rolling on the ground in pain, leaving everyone dumbfounded. What on earth had happened?
Actually, the sequence was this: Ye Kun had raised his head to shield his eyes, so Pan Pingping’s punch landed on Ye Kun’s elbow. And five fingers are connected to the heart—the pain was so sharp it tingled right to the scalp.
Old Wei and Ba Tai were baffled—it seemed too staged!
Pan Ming felt the same. This fool was rolling on the ground—he might not care for his own dignity, but his father still did!
Ye Qin sensed something: his brother must be hiding something from him again. Tonight, he would have to ask thoroughly, or else...
Feng Dian and Yuan Zhen exchanged glances and sighed in relief. They had thought of stepping in themselves, but someone else had become the sacrificial lamb. That young man was truly unfortunate.
"Father... it hurts..."
Why shouldn't it hurt! He didn’t even hit his opponent but cried out in pain!
Pan Ming was clever, quickly saying, "Serves you right for your arrogance! That Thunderlight Fist isn't yours to wield. You couldn't control it, and now you've injured yourself!"
Everyone: "???????"
Is that really what happened? Something felt off.
Pan Ming hurried to help his son up, addressing Old Wei, "Teacher, your student is truly remarkable. I look forward to his future. I must go treat my son’s injury."
Old Wei was all smiles now, his face full of pride.