Volume One: Our Own League 129: Yangtong Mingxiong's Inaugural Address

"Old Li, why did Mu Yang leave? Is he giving up on the school team tryouts?" Xu He asked Li Jie, who stood before him, looking stunned.

Li Jie was equally dumbfounded; he had never expected such a turn of events. He shook his head slightly and replied, "I don't know, but it certainly looks that way!"

Xu He frowned, muttering, "But why?"

Li Jie watched Mu Yang’s retreating figure in silence. He couldn't fathom why Mu Yang would quit. Hadn't Mu Yang been incredibly excited and eager to join the team just moments ago? He had been so confident, even talking to everyone as if he were already a member of the squad. What on earth had happened?

Neither Li Jie nor Xu He had an answer. Xu He immediately looked toward Zhu Ge, the sports representative of Class 10 next door. Surely Zhu Ge would know? But to his surprise, Zhu Ge looked just as bewildered and anxious. It was clear that he hadn't anticipated Mu Yang’s sudden withdrawal either. He seemed stunned and, more importantly, deeply worried. He took a few steps as if to chase after him but stopped himself. As the sports representative for Class 10, he had responsibilities—organizing the team, taking attendance, and the like—that kept him tethered to the spot. Still, his eyes remained fixed on Mu Yang, his face betraying his immense concern.

Xu He was filled with questions. Why would Mu Yang suddenly quit? Could it be related to the school team’s new head coach? Previously, they had all assumed the position would go to Coach Zheng Xiao, a protégé recommended by their mentor, Coach Song Yu. Mu Yang had been in high spirits then, full of anticipation for the team. But today, the principal had introduced this elderly man on stage, which had come as a complete surprise.

Was this the reason? Did Mu Yang know this old man? Was there a history between them? Xu He couldn't make sense of it, though he desperately wanted to. It clearly wasn't the right time to ask, as the new head coach had already begun to speak. It seemed he would have to wait until the tryouts were over to find Mu Yang and get to the bottom of it.

On stage, Yangtong Mingxiong looked out at the students, a faint, satisfied smile playing on his lips. There was a good turnout—at least one or two hundred students. Selecting twenty from this group should be feasible, he thought. Principal Wang had mentioned that the school held its own football league, which suggested a strong football culture and a promising pool of talent. If that were true, the final selection—one out of every ten—would likely result in a team of decent quality. That would certainly make his job easier, and he could expect to produce results.

Yangtong Mingxiong stepped up to the microphone, brimming with confidence. "Students of Jinguancheng No. 17 High School, hello! Some of you may know me, others may not. Let me introduce myself: I am Yangtong Mingxiong!"

The name was unusual, and Xu He committed it to memory instantly.

Yangtong Mingxiong continued, "In my youth, I was a professional player. I played for the Chinese national team, participated in the Asian Games, the Asian Cup, World Cup qualifiers, and the Olympic Games. After retiring, I became a head coach, leading several professional clubs in the top tier of Chinese football, winning league titles, and even serving as the head coach of the Chinese men’s national football team!"

Xu He and the students were stunned. They hadn't expected such a prestigious background. This man was a legend! The students were electrified; having a coach of this caliber was a stroke of incredible luck.

Yet, Xu He frowned slightly. If his résumé was so illustrious, why hadn't he heard of him? And why would a former national team coach come to a regular high school to lead an amateur team? It didn't make sense. Of course, Xu He didn't think the man was lying—the principal wasn't a fool, after all. Still, it felt surreal. Why hadn't he seen this man in the professional leagues in recent years?

Despite his doubts, Xu He felt it was a massive win for Jinguancheng No. 17 High School. He felt fortunate and excited at the prospect of training under such a coach. His eyes remained locked on Yangtong Mingxiong, glowing with anticipation.

Yangtong Mingxiong continued, "Of course, that was in the past. To be honest, I haven't been involved in football for some time, so it's natural that some of you don't know me. However, from today on, I expect you to remember my name and my requirements. If you cannot meet them, you will not be on my team!"

Xu He and the others felt a sudden tightening in their chests. The pressure was real. The man’s demeanor had shifted instantly, and it was clear this severity was no act. He would clearly demand a great deal from his players.

"Before coming to this school," Yangtong Mingxiong added, "I served as the head coach for the youth academy of the Jinguancheng Red Bull Club. It was through Principal Wang’s persistent efforts and repeated invitations that I decided to come here and accept the position."

Xu He understood now. The coach hadn't intended to come, but had been moved by the principal's sincerity. He gave Principal Wang a thumbs-up. The principal was truly impressive to have convinced such a powerhouse coach to join them.

Yangtong Mingxiong continued, "I was moved by what Principal Wang told me—that our school has a vibrant football culture and students with genuine talent." He scanned the neatly lined-up students, his gaze sharp and inquisitive. "Because of that, I accepted. I hope you won't let me down. In the upcoming assessment, show me your strength. Reveal your talent, and convince me that you have a bright future!"

Hearing this, the students were stirred with emotion. Their blood began to pump, and they felt a surge of motivation, all wanting to prove their worth.

Seeing the resolute and proud glint in their eyes, Yangtong Mingxiong was satisfied. These young men were confident and driven. "I want you to prove with your performance that my choice was correct. If you are truly a group of talented and determined players, we can work hard together and march toward the championship of the National Tournament!"

With that, Yangtong Mingxiong revealed his ambition. He was aiming for the national title. His words ignited a fire in the students. Xu He felt incredibly fired up—the coach’s grand vision made him feel like he could give his all for the team. He was certain that Principal Wang had made the right choice.

Even Principal Wang, standing to the side, felt his own pulse quicken. He realized the coach’s ambition far exceeded his own; he had only hoped for a respectable showing in the tournament, never daring to dream of a championship. Hearing the coach state it so boldly was a massive stimulus. He looked at Yangtong Mingxiong with newfound hope. While he knew it might just be motivational rhetoric, it was exactly what he wanted to hear. It seemed that age didn't necessarily dampen one's drive.

Yangtong Mingxiong concluded, "Now, I want to see your fundamentals, your strength, your potential, and your talent. Let’s see if Jinguancheng No. 17 High School has what it takes to win the national title. Young men, are you ready to show me what you're made of?"

"We are ready!" the students shouted in a chaotic, excited roar.

Yangtong Mingxiong frowned slightly. The response was too scattered and lacked the force he wanted. He scanned the crowd, took a deep breath, and bellowed, "Are you ready?"

The students jolted, realizing the expectation. This time, they shouted in unison: "We are ready!"

The sound was thunderous. Yangtong Mingxiong nodded, satisfied. This was the spirit young men should have.

"Since you are ready, let the assessment begin! The tryouts will be divided into two main categories: non-ball drills and ball-handling drills. We will also divide you into three groups by grade level."

Xu He nodded, understanding the structure. It was just as Mu Yang had described. But why group them by grade? Did each grade have a quota, or did the coach believe the skill gap between grades was too vast? He couldn't be sure, but he was ready to find out.