Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 63

[Royal Sky Arc]

Ling Xiao methodically fastened the buttons of his shirt, looking in the mirror. A young man in a sky-blue uniform appeared, looking handsome and dashing. From today on, he was an official first-year student at the Royal Sky Military Academy, about to embark on a new chapter of his academic journey.

The bathroom door opened, and his authorized roommate stepped out, clad in a deep blue uniform. Since their last encounter, Ying Feng had grown a few centimeters taller. His slender figure was almost perfect, with his muscular outline concealed under the uniform. Ling Xiao was more aware than anyone of the strength hidden beneath those fabrics.

This was their new dormitory, almost twice the size of the previous one in Bikong. Besides the bedroom and bathroom, there was also a living room, essentially making it a one-bedroom suite.

Today was the academy’s opening ceremony. Everyone was to attend in their formal attire. Ying Feng, all prepared, tossed something towards Ling Xiao, which he caught as it traced an arc through the air.

Higher education and primary education both spanned twelve grades. The difference was that students here advanced a grade every half year, with the curriculum lasting six years. Different badges distinguished different grade levels.

Facing the mirror, Ling Xiao carefully pinned the badge Ying Feng had thrown to his left chest. He inspected his attire from head to toe to ensure everything was in order.

“I’m ready!”

“Let’s go.”

Ling Xiao, full of energy, opened the door and coincidentally met the students from the room opposite heading out. They greeted him cheerfully.

“Ling Xiao, Ying Feng, are you guys ready? Let’s go together!”

These were their new classmates at Royal Sky, Bing Can and Qian Si—Ling Xiao preferred to call him “Red Head”, often forgetting his real name. They now lived in opposite rooms. Red Head and Ling Xiao had grown closer, and in the words of his Qizhu, it was “easier for members of the same species to communicate.”

The group of four set off from their dormitory towards the playground, encountering students from various grades at Royal Sky. Some were senior students, while others were freshmen like them.

“Wow, look! There are still fledglings in the higher academy!” Ling Xiao exclaimed, pointing at a few students in green uniforms, as if he had discovered a new world.

Bing Can explained, “Those fledglings who have completed their twelve years in the primary academy and haven’t had their coming-of-age ceremony are allowed to advance to the military academy. And those who can get in are indeed powerful, as they’re competing against adults.”

“So, that’s how it is.” Ling Xiao mused. “I wonder if we’ll have any fledglings in our major?”

Bing Can, holding back a smile, replied, “We’re in the Joint Combat major, which doesn’t admit fledglings. However, the advantage for them is that if they undergo the coming-of-age ceremony while at the academy, they can apply to change their major, provided they pass the test.”

Ling Xiao admired Bing Can’s detailed explanation. “You seem very familiar with this place.”

“All this information is available online. If you search thoroughly, you can find it.”

Ling Xiao scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. He had only focused on his own part and hadn’t read anything else.

The playground was crowded. The Joint Combat Department was right in the center.

“Do you see it? We’re the watershed of the whole school.”

“Watershed*?”

*Clarity: It’s referring to the drainage divide. Basically, he’s making the reference that they are in the middle, where both sides converge (see his explanation below), dividing the two areas.

“To our right are majors related to combat, command, and management, with the Qizhu making up the majority. To the left are research, medicine, and communication, among other ground majors, where most students are Qizis. Our major is the only one where the ratio of Qizhu to Qizi is always 1:1.”

At a glance, Ling Xiao saw it just as he described. The further to the right, the fewer light blue uniforms there were, and on the farthest right, it was almost entirely dark blue uniforms. On the other hand, the left side was the opposite: light blue uniforms were interspersed with several dark blue ones, and there were even occasional green ones. The Joint Combat Department was like a clear dividing line, separating the two sides.

The opening ceremony began with the principal’s speech, followed by addresses from the representatives of old and new students. To everyone’s surprise, Bing Can was the representative of the new students. As he took the stage, Red Head clapped so hard his hands turned as red as his hair.

“…On behalf of all the new students, I solemnly swear allegiance to our country and nation, to never betray, to obey commands, to uphold discipline…”

Down below, all the freshmen echoed in unison:

“…With our lives, we will protect the fledglings and defend the lighthouse, vow to guard the Tree of Souls never letting the enemy capture our bodies. Our soul is immortal, and our determination never ending…”

After the opening ceremony concluded, classes would officially start the next day, leaving them with half a day to explore.

“Let’s go see the starship!” Red Head proposed excitedly.

“There’s a starship in the academy?” Ling Xiao asked, equally intrigued.

“Yes, it’s a retired military starship placed here for students’ practical training!”

“Awesome!”

Both were eager, and Bing Can and Ying Feng had no objections. They summoned the academy’s map, descended to the third underground level, and were awestruck by the immense starship before them.

As they sought the entrance to the starship, a man who appeared to be a custodian stopped them.

“Sorry, it’s not open for tours.”

“We are students of Royal Sky,” Ling Xiao explained.

“Only students with related majors are allowed in. Which major are you from?”

“Joint Combat.”

“You’re not permitted. Please leave.”

“Why?”

“It’s the academy’s rules. If you wish to enter, you must challenge the rule.”

“Challenge the rule? What’s that?”

“The first rule of Royal Sky—The strong make the rules. Anyone strong enough can challenge the existing rules.”

Ling Xiao stared at Ying Feng in astonishment. “How do you know that?”

“I thought reading the school rules before enrolling was common sense.”

Ling Xiao: …Damn it.

Bing Can tried to stifle a laugh as he relayed information he’d read from the school’s discussion board. “That’s right, the top twenty-three rules are held by the principal and other administrators. The rest are held by individual students. If you feel a rule is unfair, you can challenge its owner. If you win, you can modify the rule. Even the principal can be challenged, though no one has successfully changed the top twenty-three rules since the school’s inception. If the owner of the rule you challenge has graduated, a representative from the Student Arbitration Committee will take up the challenge. Of course, once you hold a rule, others might challenge you anytime. If you don’t respond, you automatically forfeit your rights to that rule.”

“That’s amazing!”

The custodian brought the conversation back on track. “So, do you want to challenge the rule?”

……

“Quick, look! Someone’s challenging the school rules!”

“Who would do that on the first day of school?”

“They say it’s a first-year freshman.”

“A freshman? The newbies these days really are fearless.”

Ling Xiao stood on the stage, not expecting such a vast audience that packed the area below the stage.

His opponent had already arrived, dressed in a deep blue uniform with a tenth-grade badge, highlighting the stark difference between the two.

The adjudicator took the microphone.

“According to the first rule of the Royal Sky Military Academy: The strong make the rules. Anyone who questions the rules can issue a challenge.”

“A student of our school has questioned rule number ninety-seven, which states: Students not in the relevant majors are not allowed to enter the starship for any reason. Violators will be reprimanded.”

“Original rule holder: Starship Command Tenth Grade, Chi Cheng.

“Challenger: Joint Operations First Grade, Ling Xiao.

“Game rules: Falling or landing on the ground for ten seconds means you lose. The challenge begins now!”

“You got guts, first-year.” Chi Cheng didn’t take his opponent seriously at all. A first year challenging him? What a joke.

“I don’t want to bully you, so for fairness, I won’t use my mental power against you.”

After saying this, he stretched out both hands, and more than a dozen soul crystals fell to the ground, bouncing everywhere.

Ling Xiao slightly relaxed, but considering his opponent was a Qizhu, even in physical strength, he was at a disadvantage. Ling Xiao bent down slightly, not just out of nervousness but also with a hint of excitement.

“Go Ling Xiao!” Red Head shouted from below.

Chi Cheng gestured for him to come forth. “Bring it.”

The moment Ling Xiao moved, he quickly threw three punches at Chi Cheng, who didn’t even blink while blocking them. But those were feints. With the last punch, Ling Xiao took a cross-step to his back and kicked him square in the back. All this happened in the blink of an eye, and Chi Cheng, who had underestimated the freshman, was kicked back several steps.

“Oh? Not bad,” Chi Cheng said, flexing his wrist. “Now, I’ll get serious.”

As he finished speaking, he disappeared, with only countless shadows flashing in different directions.

So fast! Ling Xiao was shocked. Is this the level of a tenth grade Qizhu? He couldn’t even catch his movements.

Suddenly, he felt hits on his left arm, right arm, and back without even seeing his opponent’s position. The last hit came from the front. Ling Xiao braced the ground with one hand, getting pushed back several meters and stopping just at the edge of the stage.

“Coming for more?” Chi Cheng asked.

“Yes!” As Ling Xiao charged head-on, his opponent vanished. “What?”

“I’m here.” Chi Cheng’s voice came from behind, followed by a force that sent Ling Xiao flying.

On the ground, Ling Xiao rolled and stood up, defiantly saying, “Again!”

By the third time Ling Xiao was knocked down, the crowd sighed and shook their heads. The challenger was no match, and the outcome seemed certain.

“You’re quite persistent.” Chi Cheng observed as Ling Xiao got up again, injured but with an even sharper look. “Alright, let’s end this quickly.”

Chi Cheng started walking faster and faster until he became a blur. Ling Xiao, nervous, tried to predict his next move.

Right.

A familiar voice echoed in Ling Xiao’s mind. Without thinking, he threw a punch to the right, hitting his target!

Behind.

He executed a spinning kick, hitting Chi Cheng in the chest, stopping him in his tracks.

After hitting twice in a row, Chi Cheng clutched his chest and frowned. Was it just a coincidence?

It must be just a coincidence. With his skill, there’s no way he could see my moves clearly.

Realizing this, Chi Cheng felt relieved. He increased his speed and surrounded Ling Xiao from all sides.

Inside the encirclement, Ling Xiao paradoxically relaxed. He closed his eyes, and his entire demeanor showed no sign of defense.

What’s going on? Not only was Chi Cheng puzzled, but the audience below was also confused.

Perhaps he was just putting on an act. With a shift in his form, Chi Cheng launched an attack towards the man in the center of the field.

Front.

Ling Xiao gently jumped backward.

Behind.

He performed a backflip.

45-degree angle from the right.

He took a small leap to the left.

Lower body.

He responded with a cartwheel.

The audience was in awe. Chi Cheng’s moves had clearly accelerated, yet he couldn’t even touch a hair of Ling Xiao, who hadn’t even opened his eyes since the start.

As the battle went on, it became a spectacle. Ling Xiao’s evasive maneuvers were mystifying. No matter from which angle Chi Cheng attacked, he couldn’t touch him.

“What’s happening? Does he have eyes on his forehead?”

No, even when Chi Cheng attacked from behind, Ling Xiao evaded it!

Bing Can, watching intently, realized something was off. Turning, he understood when he saw Ying Feng’s expression. While Ling Xiao’s eyes were closed, his real ‘eyes’ were here with Ying Feng. Ying Feng could see every move Chi Cheng made, even predict them, allowing Ling Xiao to anticipate and counteract. Their coordination was eerily perfect, as if one person was in control.

The once one-sided cheers from the crowd had shifted. They not only appreciated Ling Xiao’s performance but also desired to see the insides of the starship with him!

At that moment, Ling Xiao on the stage kept stepping back, coming increasingly close to the edge of the competition platform.

“He’s about to fall off!” Many couldn’t help but shout out as a warning.

Chi Cheng sneered internally, thinking it was too late. Ling Xiao’s heel was only a step away from the edge. With full force, Chi Cheng rushed towards him. From any angle, there was no way he could dodge this time!

“Watch out!” The crowd shouted.

Now!

Ying Feng issued the final command.

Ling Xiao vanished from the public’s view.

Where did he go?!

Chi Cheng, suspended in midair, widened his eyes in disbelief. Where had he gone?

“There!” The keen-eyed among the audience finally spotted him.

Ling Xiao’s body was suspended in the air, his toes hooked on the edge of the platform. From Chi Cheng’s perspective, it looked as if he had suddenly fallen off.

But by the time he saw Ling Xiao, his own body had already flown off the platform.

Ling Xiao used his toes to propel himself into the air, appearing right behind Chi Cheng.

How is this possible? Did I just lose to a first year Qizi?

“Sorry about this.” Ling Xiao, behind him, had already opened his eyes. He didn’t hold back in his kick.

“Beep—”

“The challenger hits the ground; attack valid!”

“Challenge over. The ownership of the school rules changes! The new enforcer of Rule 97 is—first year from the Joint Combat Department, Ling Xiao!”

“Ling Xiao! You’re amazing, Ling Xiao!” Red Head cheered excitedly.

Ling Xiao located the loudest cheerer, Red Head, in the crowd and then saw Ying Feng nearby, grinning at him with a silly smile that only the two of them understood.

“Good fight.” Chi Cheng jumped back onto the platform. “I underestimated you. But you did great. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Ling Xiao shook his hand.

“But let me remind you, I lost because I didn’t use my mental powers. If I had used the soul crystal against you, you would’ve stood no chance. Future challengers won’t be so easy. Keep it up.”

“Mm!” Ling Xiao was very clear that today’s victory was pure luck. In a genuine one-on-one match, he couldn’t possibly be his opponent.

The adjudicator approached. “Now you can make changes to Rule 97. Would you like to lift the ban on visiting the starship?”

“Uh, if everyone visits anytime, won’t it bother the students studying there? Can we make it open once a week?”

“Of course, you are now the rule-maker.”

“Let’s make it Sundays,” he said. He was usually exhausted on Saturdays and not really in the mood for tours.

“The new Rule 97 is officially announced: The starship is open to the public every Sunday, allowing all students to visit.”

The crowd cheered.

“Let’s go.” Chi Cheng generously invited him. “Even though today isn’t Sunday, I can make an exception and give you a tour.”

“Can my Qizhu and friends come too?” He excitedly asked without thinking.

“Of course, let’s all go.”

Chi Cheng hopped off the platform and turned to see Ling Xiao still standing there. “Why aren’t you coming?”

Ling Xiao’s awkward smile froze on his face. Why did he blurt that out so naturally without thinking?

He nervously glanced down, relieved to see that Ying Feng had turned away. That was close; he mustn’t have heard.

Bing Can was curious, noticing that after Ling Xiao asked the question, Ying Feng had turned away. “Ling Xiao invited us. Aren’t you coming?”

Pretending he hadn’t heard anything, Ying Feng replied without turning back, “I am.”

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