Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

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Chapter 68

Early in the morning, Ling Xiao saw Yu Ji and his Qizi. It was rare for them to get up at this time. Apart from the first day of school, they were almost universally recognized as the “always-tardy duo”.

“Hey, up so early,” Ling Xiao greeted. “You must’ve slept a lot yesterday afternoon, which is why you’re up early today, right?”

“Morning, Ling Xiao.” Yu Ji nodded to him. “Where did you go on your date yesterday?”

“Soul Crystal Trading Street. There’s a couple’s quiz game there that’s really fun. I suggest you both try it out.”

“Sure, we definitely will.”

“By the way, is today’s class outside?” Ling Xiao asked.

“Don’t you know? Today is Major General Fu Yao’s teaching day. He only teaches once a week. Shuang Feng admires him a lot, so he got up early.”

So, it wasn’t because they slept too much in the afternoon.

“I know the Major General is a guest instructor here, but I didn’t know it was today. I admire him too.”

Yu Ji laughed. “Then you two should have a lot to talk about.”

Indeed, hearing that it was Fu Yao’s class, everyone arrived very early. When Fu Yao appeared, there were already two neat rows of students standing on the playground.

Fu Yao surveyed the crowd. “This term, I’m in charge of the Joint Combat class. Don’t call me instructor; call me commander.” Pointing to the tall officer next to him, he continued, “This is your deputy instructor, Nie Yun. He’ll assist in teaching. When I’m not here, he has the same command authority as me. Whatever training task he assigns, you should take it as my order.”

Everyone recognized them without introduction. The famous couple from the military, Major General Fu Yao and his Qizi Nie Yun, were always the talk of the town. Wherever Fu Yao went, Nie Yun was always by his side. Only those completely out of the loop wouldn’t recognize Nie Yun’s fame.

“Is that clear?” Fu Yao asked.

Everyone replied in unison. “Yes, Commander! Yes, Instructor Nie Yun!”

“I know many of you enrolled in this course without really understanding the true meaning and power of joint operations. Nie Yun,” he called out, and Nie Yun immediately pressed a button, summoning a mech about two-person tall.

These students had only seen mechs in animations or games. Seeing one in person for the first time, they couldn’t help but gasp in amazement.

“We don’t operate mechs, but our enemies are increasingly using them as weapons. What you see is a war trophy captured from the enemy, classified as an A-level mech.”

“There are two types of mechs we know of: one operated by brainwaves, and the other by machinery.” Fu Yao pointed at the mech. “This is the latter, which even non-mech users can operate. Anyone want to give it a try?”

“Me!” Ling Xiao raised his hand high.

“Go ahead.” He gestured to Ying Feng. “You too. You have fifteen minutes. Just make it move, and you pass.”

Ling Xiao and Ying Feng entered the cockpit and realized why Fu Yao had them both come in—it was a two-seater mech, with joysticks, levers, and buttons, looking very complicated.

“No wonder Major General Fu Yao said just making it move would be passing.” Ling Xiao spotted a conspicuous red button. “This must be the start button.”

He was right. Upon pressing it, the control panel lit up with instructions, which they couldn’t understand.

“Nothing to do but try everything,” Ling Xiao said, pressing a random button. The mech’s arm suddenly rose, startling everyone.

“Joysticks typically control direction.” Ying Feng tried a few, making the mech take a step forward. “It seems this button and joystick work together to move forward.” As they immersed themselves, fifteen minutes flew by. Meanwhile, Fu Yao introduced the types of soul crystals he would use.

“Are you ready?” He asked from below.

The mech raised its right hand in a salute.

“Not bad.” Fu Yao gestured for everyone to step back, leaving only the mech operated by Ling Xiao and Ying Feng and Fu Yao and Nie Yun in the center.

“Just so you know, both Nie Yun and I specialize in physical arts. If you try to compete in speed, your mech is too clumsy. Think of another way,” Fu Yao advised.

He and Nie Yun stepped back a few meters. “Begin!”

The words had just fallen when the two individuals each threw out a soul crystal. In an instant, the two, who were just a few meters away, appeared on either side of the mech. Faced with a strong opponent, even if it wasn’t a battle with real weapons, Ling Xiao was still extremely excited.

“Here they come!”

Utilizing the knowledge he had just grasped, he made the mech spin rapidly in place, preventing his adversaries from getting close. As expected, the two opponents leaped away.

“Which one should we attack?” Ling Xiao asked.

“The one on the left.” Ying Feng quickly decided. If the power of combined combat relied on the collaboration of the two, then it was logical to first break through the weaker Qizi.

Ling Xiao pushed the joystick forward, and the mech charged toward Nie Yun on the left. Fu Yao sneered, knowing that they would think this way.

He threw out another soul crystal, activating it. All that was heard was Nie Yun’s loud shout as he crossed his palms in front of him, releasing a massive wave of air that lifted countless grasses and pebbles from the ground. Ling Xiao, unfamiliar with operating the mech, failed to dodge and was knocked down by the rebounding force. Fortunately, Ying Feng reacted in time, allowing the mech to roll back and stand up again.

“Did you see?” Fu Yao loudly explained to the students. “If you believe the Qizi is the weak point in a duo, then you’re gravely mistaken. Attacking the Qizi only gives the Qizhu ample time to strategize. The Qizhu has various methods to enhance the Qizi, for both offense and defense. If the Qizhu is the brain, the Qizi is the limbs. The principle applies to enemies beyond Tianxiu as well; capture the leader first. Prioritize attacking the enemy’s commander at the first opportunity.”

“Thanks for the tip. Then let’s start with the brain,” Ling Xiao interrupted, activating the missile system on the mech’s right arm and firing directly at Fu Yao.

“We did it!” he exclaimed in elation.

However, just then, a figure suddenly teleported into the missile’s trajectory. With his back turned to them, Fu Yao casually plucked a small crystal and clenched it. Nie Yun conjured a transparent mirror in front of him. The missile hit the mirror and was silently neutralized.

Fu Yao continued, “As the limbs, it’s crucial to always protect one’s brain. If the Qizhu is incapacitated, your attack power could be reduced by half or even more. Hence, protecting the Qizhu is the topmost priority for every Qizi.”

“Very well.” Ling Xiao converted the mech’s arms into laser bullet launchers. “Let’s take both of you on.”

He unleashed a barrage at the two, who skillfully dodged amidst the gunfire. Fu Yao even managed to evade and teach simultaneously. “But what if the enemy recognizes this and distracts the Qizi while attacking the Qizhu?”

“They would find out that the brain has stronger attack and defense capabilities than the limbs. That’s the true power of our combined combat; we have no weak points.”

Ling Xiao felt as though he had been deceived.

“After demonstrating our defensive capabilities to you all, now it’s our turn to attack.”

As he finished his sentence, the two of them were already close to the mech. Ling Xiao attempted the spinning move once more, but it was forcefully halted after just a few rotations. Looking at Fu Yao and Nie Yun, one on each side gripped the mech’s arms. Under their feet, they grinded a deep circle on the ground. They must have used some soul crystal to amplify their strength, not only halting the fast-spinning mech but also immobilizing it.

“As we said, we specialize in physical arts. Don’t dream of outmatching us in speed or strength, or you’ll lose terribly.”

With a twist of their hands, the huge metallic mech was flipped over, landing with a loud thud. Inside the mech, Ling Xiao and Ying Feng were jolted and tossed around. Ying Feng shielded his head with one hand and braced against the cabin wall with the other, preventing injuries.

“Watch out!” Looking up, he saw Fu Yao plummeting from the sky, aiming directly for the mech’s central energy source in its chest. If that were to be damaged, the mech would be paralyzed. Ying Feng instantly slapped the engine, causing flames to erupt from the mech’s feet, propelling it a dozen meters away. Although their escape was clumsy, it prevented a fatal blow.

Fu Yao landed lightly after his missed attack. “Interesting. Since you’re putting up such a fight, let’s give everyone a demonstration of our more advanced coordination.”

“I’ll handle the direction; you control the weapons,” Ying Feng said as he reached around Ling Xiao to grasp the joystick. Ling Xiao nervously eyed the monitor, switching between various attack methods.

Indeed, Fu Yao and Nie Yun’s approach had changed significantly. They shifted from teaching mode to actual combat mode. Due to the mech’s speed limitations, Ling Xiao could often see their movements but couldn’t react in time. This frustrated him to the point of wishing he could personally fight.

The students had retreated far away, fearing they might get caught up in the fray. Still, their keen sight allowed them to clearly observe the battle situation. The mech, despite its seemingly superior size, was utterly outmatched in the combined assault of the two men. They battled metal with flesh, leveraging soul crystals to enhance their strength and defense while also maintaining agility and mobility.

“It’s time to end this fight,” Fu Yao said, making a move where he bit his thumb and smeared some blood on Nie Yun’s lips in passing. This act was seen clearly by Ling Xiao. Suddenly, red glints flashed in Nie Yun’s eyes, and he kicked the front of the mech, sending the massive machine flying.

That wasn’t all. Teleporting behind the mech, he delivered another powerful kick. Inside, Ling Xiao and Ying Feng were thrown around once more. With Nie Yun’s continuous assault, the mech was sent soaring higher and higher. Meanwhile, Fu Yao leisurely hopped to the side.

The mech soared higher and higher, and Ying Feng sensed danger.

“Use the teleport!”

Struggling amidst the turbulence, Ling Xiao managed to retrieve the teleportation soul crystal and clenched it tightly in his palm.

“Activate!”

He was instantly transported to the exterior of the mech. Following closely, Ying Feng too was teleported to his location. The moment they emerged, Nie Yun delivered a powerful mid-air kick, causing the mech to crash heavily to the ground. This massive entity made of metal seemed as if it had been forced to its knees.

Fu Yao seized the opportunity as it fell. Enhancing his dagger, he aimed accurately and pierced its vulnerable spot. The mech’s arm twitched eerily a few times before finally becoming motionless.

Three people descended from the sky one after another, and the other students also returned to the playground.

“What we demonstrated just now is just a small part of the power of two-person coordination. As you can see, we didn’t use any weapons. This is impossible in real combat. Of course, in actual combat, our enemies are all strictly trained and battle-hardened mech operators. They wouldn’t be as weak as these two…”

Ling Xiao & Ying Feng: ……

“…Therefore, we should treat our opponents as if they are a hundred times stronger than what you just saw, to be able to contend with the elite alien mech troops.”

“Report, sir. What did you just use?” Ling Xiao asked curiously.

After Fu Yao used that move on Nie Yun, the latter became incredibly strong, surpassing the Qizhu, and could kick the mech flying with one foot.

“The Qizhu’s blood has a combat enhancement function for the Qizi. Its effect is comparable to that of Ember I. Therefore, only the Qizhu will use Ember in real combat. The Qizi’s abilities are activated by blood,” Fu Yao said with a sly look. “Anyone want to try it now?”

What’s so hard about it? Bing Can cut his thumb with a dagger, imitating Fu Yao, and smeared it on Red Head’s lips. But instead of his eyes turning red, his face did.

“I…I feel strange,” he said, blushing. “It’s like I’m losing control of my body.”

“You see,” Fu Yao said calmly. “In addition to enhancing combat power, the Qizhu’s blood also has a potent aphrodisiac effect. If there’s even a slight deviation in the subconscious thoughts of the Qizhu, other effects will be triggered.”

Everyone couldn’t help but cover their mouths and laugh. Bing Can looked embarrassed, and Red Head’s face turned as red as his hair.

“You think this is funny? This is one of our department’s essential training. Imagine if, on the battlefield, your Qizi suddenly becomes aroused. What awaits you? So, every Qizhu must have absolutely no distractions. Starting from the left, each pair needs to practice.”

“Reporting, sir, what about us…” Bing Can asked cautiously.

Fu Yao waved him off. “You’re excused.”

More and more pairs got excused. Nie Yun looked on, somewhat helpless.

“They’re all young and in their adolescence. Isn’t it too early to let them practice this?”

“Isn’t that perfect? If they succeed, great. If not, they’re just maturing, which is a good thing anyway.”

Nie Yun sweated. Only his Qizhu would think of letting students go and mature during class. Just then, a commotion erupted nearby.

“Don’t try it with me! I won’t do it. I don’t believe you, you big pervert!” Ling Xiao stayed away from Ying Feng, refusing to try.

“This is an instructional command,” Ying Feng said emotionlessly.

“Even if you’re a top student, no way. I’ll skip class!”

“Talking about skipping class in front of your superior? Brave of you,” Fu Yao commented sarcastically.

After hesitating for a while, Ling Xiao said, “Anyway, I won’t do this exercise. He can’t be free of distractions. If I’m wrong, I’ll drink a liter of blood!”

“Really? A liter takes a long time to drink.” Fu Yao gestured to Ying Feng. “Your move.”

Ying Feng grabbed Ling Xiao, who was powerless to resist. As he tried to escape, his lips were smeared with blood from a bitten thumb.

With a flash of red light in Ling Xiao’s eyes, he darted to the paralyzed mech’s side, kicking it off the ground and then letting it crash hard.

Landing unscathed, Ling Xiao looked at his hands in astonishment. He felt boundless energy surging within him. Though this power faded, the sensation lingered vividly.

“Not bad.” Fu Yao applauded. “You two are the only pairs who succeeded today.”

Upon looking around, Ling Xiao indeed saw that, aside from them and the Yu Ji pair, all the other students had left the field.

A twitch appeared at the corner of his mouth. Could it be that the lower the emotional rating, the easier it was to succeed?

“Ah,” Fu Yao sighed. “I originally thought I could skip this lesson.”

Everyone: You just have ulterior motives!

Fu Yao’s expression shifted, becoming suddenly serious. “Given the situation, let’s conduct a special training for you all.”

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