Chapter 1143 - 379: A Short Story

"No one can be absolutely flawless. Treating the Marshal as an Immortal is a mistake in itself," Su Jianzhou said with a bitter smile, then continued.

"There are quite a few people like Bai Zhiyong, but they aren’t the mainstream among Divine Land Martial Artists. The Divine Land Government is slowly resolving these issues, but they can’t just take a one-size-fits-all approach without a word, or it would cause an even bigger mess.

"If water is too clear, there are no fish—you can’t demand absolute purity from people. Didn’t you also use your convenience to give the Young Flood Dragon’s Original Fluid to Su Jianjun early?

"Neither you nor I know what kind of character Su Jianjun will develop in the future. In fact, we are just like the Marshal; we all want to give the best to our loved ones.

"Su Jianjun and Bai Zhiyong are essentially the same kind of people. They both received extra benefits.

"In future college entrance exams, there will definitely be people jealous of Su Jianjun. They will also feel it’s unfair and curse the government for showing favoritism to you.

"This is an unsolvable paradox.

"Look on the bright side. Don’t let yourself get too depressed by overthinking these dead-end issues.

"Humans are complex animals. Many things don’t have absolute good or evil; it’s merely a difference in standpoint."

Su Jianzhou didn’t know how else to advise Su Yue. Young people were full of hot blood. In their minds, the world only consisted of good and evil, black and white. But society was far more complicated than they imagined. Even in the war with alien races, there was no right or wrong, only different standpoints.

At such a young age, Su Yue had gained power far beyond his years, making it easy for him to get hung up on things. He needed time to slowly digest these realities. This was also a lesson for him.

"Dad, Older Cousin, time to eat." At this time, Su Jianjun had finished preparing four dishes and a soup.

The three of them sat down to eat, bringing the discussion about Bai Zhiyong to an end.

"Su Jianjun, you train so hard. Do you have any ideals?" Su Yue asked during the meal.

"To protect our home and defend the country. To eliminate the alien races," Su Jianjun replied without thinking.

"Why do you want to defend the country?" Su Yue asked again.

"The Divine Land is my home, and she is my mother. I want to protect the mother who raised me. What other reason do I need?" Su Jianjun looked at him as if he were looking at an idiot.

"Let’s eat, let’s eat!" Su Yue said, looking depressed. He had just been lectured by a little kid.

Su Jianzhou couldn’t help but laugh. As expected, the younger they were, the purer their thoughts.

***

The next day, Su Yue went to visit Ding Beitu again, taking advantage of his free time; otherwise, God knew when he would be available next. Ding Beitu was studying the language of the Yangxiang Race and was incredibly busy every day. However, when his top student arrived, he still set aside precious time specifically to have a heart-to-heart talk with him.

Ding Beitu could easily tell that Su Yue didn’t seem to be in a good mood.

After chatting for a while, Su Yue finally asked the question on his mind. "Teacher, I’ve been fighting in the Wet Realm, but recently I’ve felt a bit lost regarding my goals. I don’t know the meaning of my struggles anymore."

After asking the question, Su Yue felt a little better. Perhaps Uncle was right; there was simply no absolute good or evil in these matters. Venting a bit was good for the mood.

Ding Beitu was different from Combat Martial Artists. He already had social status and could have easily completed his tasks while leisurely reading newspapers and drinking tea in his office. Yet, the teacher often burned the midnight oil, working overtime without fear of collapsing from exhaustion. Su Yue understood why Combat Martial Artists risked their lives, but for his teacher to work so desperately in a safe zone truly baffled him.

"Su Yue, your question seems simple, but it’s actually quite complex. This is an inner doubt shared by many Martial Artists," Ding Beitu said, looking at Su Yue after a moment of thought.

"Regarding the meaning of our struggles, although I can’t give you a detailed answer, I can give you an absolute conclusion...

"The reason Martial Artists strive and fight is definitely not to get promoted or get rich. Status and glory are merely added bonuses."

"Not necessarily. I strive for military merits and to save my dad. That’s why I fight," Su Yue said, a bit uncomprehending.

If not for promotions or wealth, wouldn’t they just be fools? Protecting the home and defending the country; serving the nation. These were slogans, but also beliefs. However, Martial Artists needed to eat, too.

Ding Beitu didn’t argue with Su Yue; he simply shifted the topic. "Let me tell you an anecdote passed down from the Technological Era.

"Before the era of martial arts, everyone in the Divine Land loved buying houses, worshiping money, and idolizing the rich. At that time, the atmosphere across the entire Earth was that money reigned supreme. At the same time, certain professions were highly sought after and enjoyed high social status, such as teachers, doctors, and police officers...

"During a large family gathering, the grandparents asked their grandchildren what their future ideals were...

"Some children said they wanted to be police officers.

"The parents were thrilled and chimed in, ’Police officers are great! It’s an iron rice bowl, very prestigious. If the family has any issues in the future, it’ll be convenient to pull some strings.’

"Some children said they wanted to be doctors.

"The parents were also happy. They said, ’In the future, we can skip the line for appointments, find specialists when we’re sick, and even get medicine cheaper.’

"Some girls wanted to be teachers.

"The parents were just as happy. A girl being a teacher means a stable income regardless of the situation and a secure job, allowing her to marry into a good family."

"Well, the parents were right. Indeed, those professions are pretty good!" Su Yue nodded in agreement.

"Alas, what a pity. The children’s own thoughts were completely different from their parents’," Ding Beitu said, patting Su Yue’s shoulder.

"The child who wanted to be a police officer simply wanted to eliminate violence and ensure peace, catching thieves and robbers so the city would be free of criminals.

"The child who wanted to be a doctor wanted to heal the wounded and rescue the dying.

"The child who wanted to be a teacher wanted to cultivate many useful talents to serve the motherland in the future.

"While I can’t give you a specific answer, regarding the meaning of dedication, you can refer to this little story.

"Ask your true heart more often, and don’t let external matters affect your intuition.

"The only thing I can help you confirm is that the so-called glory and money are not the main goals at all. They are just some of the rewards you receive along the path of pursuing your true heart."

This feeling of confusion was truly unpleasant. Outsiders thought Su Yue was basking in boundless glory and had achieved countless merits. In reality, everyone had forgotten that Su Yue was actually just an ordinary college freshman.

"Yeah, thank you, Teacher. I think I understand a bit better now!" Su Yue nodded.

A teacher was a teacher for a reason. Although Su Yue was still a bit confused, he had finally found a way to untie the knot in his heart. Otherwise, holding it all in was just too uncomfortable.

Ding Beitu encouraged Su Yue, saying, "Think more about your original self.

"Also, with great power comes great responsibility. This is an eternal truth.

"In times of hardship, one must focus on self-improvement; in times of success, one must help the world. This is an ancestral teaching passed down through generations, and no one can escape this law.

"You might feel that your sacrifices are meaningless or even unfair, but if the Wet Ghost Tower of this city were breached at this very moment, could you stand idly by?

"Would you watch helplessly as the city’s inhabitants were plunged into misery and suffering while you just observed from the sidelines?

"You couldn’t possibly do that. So, agonizing over these gains and losses is really just bringing unnecessary trouble upon yourself.

"I know you. Even if there were no military merits and no rewards from the Military Department, you would still resolutely step onto the battlefield."

"Mhm, thank you, Teacher. I feel much better now!"

The two chatted for a few more sentences before Su Yue stood up to leave. Ding Beitu’s phone kept ringing, and he had answered it a few times during their conversation. The office was indeed very busy, so Su Yue didn’t want to delay him any further.

***

"Where should I go next?"

After bidding farewell to Ding Beitu, Su Yue stood on the street, still a bit dazed.

"I’ll head back to West Martial!"

Some old friends were on the battlefield, so Su Yue didn’t want to wait around. He wondered if Mu Cheng was at West Martial.

Su Yue retrieved the Creation Sword from the hotel and got on a vehicle heading back to West City. This sword was actually most suitable for Mu Cheng. It could be hidden within the bones, elusive as a ghost, and could also be used as a concealed weapon.