Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 108

<Tianxiu Arc>

Within and around the royal palace, gloomy clouds hovered, and the once magnificent palace was now shrouded in a hazy gloom. The envoy they had sent to negotiate peace with the Wolf Star Desert Tribe had returned, bringing with him the tribe’s terms for reconciliation.

“Did they really say that?” The reigning emperor of Tianxiu inquired in a slightly irritated tone after hearing the envoy’s report.

The envoy nervously lowered his head. “Yes, the King of the Desert from Wolf Star said that if we want to end the war, in addition to meeting their compensation demands, His Highness himself must go… to Wolf Star… for a marriage alliance.”

His voice grew softer, but in the silent hall, every word echoed clearly to all present.

“Absurd!” The emperor slapped the armrest of his throne hard, becoming so agitated that he began to cough violently. Attendants rushed forward to comfort him. The average lifespan of the Tianxiu royal family was around forty years, and the emperor was nearing his end. Born weak, the royal bloodline had always passed from one generation to the next without branching. His only heir, Yue Hua, was just sixteen years old. In two more years, once he became an adult, the throne could be passed on, allowing the emperor to rest in peace. But now, their greatest enemy, the Desert Tribe of Wolf Star, had made such an outrageous demand.

Finally catching his breath, the emperor said, “Yue Hua is my only son, the sole heir to the throne. More importantly, he is a proud young man. How can we send him to marry into a barbaric foreign tribe?”

A minister below said indignantly, “The Desert Tribe must be aware of His Highness’s situation. By making this impudent demand, they clearly want to use a refusal of the marriage alliance as a pretext to invade. If we are forced to agree, it would be a great humiliation for Tianxiu, and the royal lineage would be cut off.”

Another lamented, “Given His Highness’s health and susceptibility to illnesses, how can he withstand the long journey and the environment of another planet? Furthermore, the Wolf Star inhabitants’ ferocity and barbarism are well known. How can he possibly…”

The young prince, seated prominently to the west, turned even paler as the murmurs continued.

With many voices but no solution, the Desert Tribe of the Wolf Star was a formidable enemy that Tianxiu couldn’t match. Sacrificing the young prince might be the only way to avoid the nation’s destruction.

The emperor, with a growing headache, exclaimed, “With so many of you here, can no one think of a way to repel the enemy?”

One of the royal science researchers stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I have an idea.” He unfolded a blueprint. “This is my latest research—a giant humanoid made of metal, possessing immense offensive and defensive capabilities. It can be operated from inside. I call it a ‘Mech’.”

Someone immediately countered, “You mentioned it’s operated from inside. This means there are high requirements for the operator’s physical abilities, balance, and adaptability. So, who will operate this… Mech you’ve invented?”

The researcher hesitated.

Another suggestion arose. “What if we find an ally, offer them this Mech, and in return, seek their protection?”

“Don’t be naive. What if the ally acquires our weapon, replicates the technology, and then turns it against us? Haven’t we been deceived enough already?”

“What we urgently need now is a unique weapon that doesn’t require manual operation and has autonomous capabilities. But where can we find such a weapon?”

All eyes turned to a silent individual, another researcher from the Royal Academy and a highly regarded scientist in recent years.

Under intense scrutiny, he stepped forward. “Your Majesty, my team has been working on a project to develop an individual entity with autonomous combat capabilities. However, we’ve encountered a major challenge.”

“What’s the problem?” the emperor asked eagerly.

“We lack an effective ‘sample’.”

“Sample? What do you mean?”

“The entities we’ve developed possess very basic artificial intelligence. They can’t handle complex commands and certainly can’t be used in warfare. The human brain is an incredibly complex organ, and we can’t replicate it solely with scientific simulation. To advance artificial intelligence further, we would need…”

“Need what?”

“We would need a real human to willingly become a ‘sample’. Based on this, we could then replicate and modify it, creating a true sentient being.”

The courtiers exchanged worried glances. For someone to become a sample meant transforming into a lifeless entity.

“Can’t we use death row inmates for this?”

He shook his head. “Undergoing transformation requires enduring inhuman torture. We’ve tried this experiment with death row inmates, but none survived. To succeed, the individual must possess a strong physique, an extraordinary will, and undying loyalty to the royal family.”

The room fell silent. Everyone hoped the research would succeed in saving their nation, but no one wanted to become a lifeless monster.

Just when everyone was at a loss, a man stood up and said, “I am willing to try.”

There was a commotion in the hall. The emperor looked intently and saw that the person who had stepped forward was the young prince’s bodyguard. He was one of the rare “physically strong individuals” among the people of Tianxiu. He had been assigned to the prince when the latter was ten years old and had been responsible for his safety ever since.

When Yua Hua saw it was him, he leaned forward but stopped himself, gripping the arms of his chair so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

The emperor was delighted. “You are willing?”

“Yes,” the bodyguard replied firmly. “My physical condition is superior to that of the average person, and I am completely loyal to the royal family. I believe I should meet the requirements.”

The emperor let out a sigh of relief, feeling very fond of this man who was willing to take on such a great responsibility. “What is… your name again?”

“Your Majesty, my name is Cang Yun.”

“Cang Yun.” The emperor’s gaze softened as he repeated the name. “Cang Yun, good.”

“Your Majesty, I am also willing to try.”

Another person stepped forward from behind the young prince and stood beside Cang Yun.

“…You?”

The individual performed a courtesy typical of palace women. “I am also physically strong and have been appointed to take care of the prince’s daily needs since childhood. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I’ve watched him grow. I cannot tolerate the rude demands of the Desert Tribe. If this transformation has a chance of failure, then having another person increases the odds of success. Please allow me to show my loyalty to the prince.”

The emperor looked at the man and woman standing side by side in the hall. They were merely attendants to the young prince, arguably the lowest in rank in the hall. Yet, when it mattered most, they stepped forward to serve their master, whereas not one official had done so.

Having such individuals come forward, he seemed to already envision the future of Tianxiu.

The emperor gestured for his attendants to approach. “Help me up.”

Two attendants immediately assisted the emperor. With their help, he walked down from his throne to stand before the two.

“Whether the transformation plan succeeds or not, you both are heroes of Tianxiu. My people and I will forever remember your kindness. If our lineage is fortunate to continue, I promise to carve statues in your likeness so that your deeds will be passed down for generations and your names will be immortalized.”

He ordered his attendants. “Let go.”

They carefully released him, and the emperor, in front of everyone, knelt down to the two.

Seeing him do so, everyone else naturally followed suit, bowing down in gratitude. Only Cang Yun and the woman stood tall.

That night, some found it hard to sleep. Cang Yun, as usual, patrolled the young prince’s sleeping chambers and found him still awake.

“Why haven’t you slept?” he asked, crouching down and adjusting the blanket over the prince’s knees. Yue Hua was sensitive to the cold, and at night he had to cover his legs with such a thick blanket.

“Why did you step forward?” Yue Hua’s voice carried a sadness he couldn’t hide.

Cang Yun knelt on one knee. “Because I could never watch my prince marry an enemy to save our people. My duty is to protect you. Even if it means sacrificing my life, I will not allow such an event to occur.”

He tightened the corner of the blanket with a slight smile. “This is the last time I take the initiative to do something like this for you. If we succeed in the future, you can still command me. I swear, no matter what I become, I will always be loyal to you. I will engrave this loyalty into my genes, replicate it without reservation, and provide you with the strongest support in the world.”

Yue Hua reached out and touched his face. “Even if there are a million of you in the future, I would recognize you at a glance.”

Cang Yun lifted Yue Hua’s hand and gently kissed the back of it. “It’s my honor.”

……

The entire nation was focused on this crucial moment. The experimental chamber slowly opened, revealing two people inside with their eyes tightly shut.

“Is this… considered a success or not?” the Emperor asked anxiously.

At his words, it seemed like a signal. Both individuals inside the chamber slowly opened their eyes. Though their appearances remained unchanged, the lack of emotion in their eyes made them seem like completely different people, devoid of all desires and feelings.

Scientists thoroughly examined both of them. All their vital signs appeared normal, but they still hesitated to conclude anything.

“Go, try destroying that stone,” one scientist ordered the transformed Cang Yun.

He referred to a massive boulder outside, taller than a man and so wide it would take two people to wrap their arms around it. In a blink, Cang Yun vanished from their sight and reappeared behind the rock, shattering it with a single punch.

The inherently frail people of Tianxiu had never seen such power before. They were all awestruck, and it took a moment for them to recover.

“We did it!”

“We succeeded! We succeeded!” Everyone cheered.

There was an atmosphere of elation. Even the Emperor, looking up with relief, took a long breath. Only the young prince looked on with sorrow in his eyes.

“Today is a day that only occurs once in five hundred years when the Lone Star, the Tianxiu planet, and the Blazing Sun align,” the Emperor announced. “I name these warriors after the Lone Star. They will be the hope for Tianxiu’s future.”

He ordered, “Proceed with the replication plan as fast as possible. I want to prepare the most magnificent entourage for the young prince’s marriage procession, one that the Wolf Star people will remember for a lifetime.”

“As you command, Your Majesty!”

It was a night of jubilation for the Tianxiu people, with festivities everywhere. Only the prince’s palace remained quiet.

“Your Highness, you called for me.”

A familiar voice, a familiar face. Cang Yun approached Yue Hua, every detail, even the rhythm of his footsteps, exactly as before.

But when Yue Hua looked into his eyes, the warmth that used to spontaneously appear was gone forever.

The Cang Yun now, though still loyal and possessing astonishing power, would no longer act on his own initiative for him.

“Come here.”

Yue Hua reached out, and Cang Yun obediently knelt before him. “What would you have me do, Your Highness?”

After a moment’s thought, Yue Hua said, “Tuck in the blanket for me.”

With great care, Cang Yun adjusted the blanket, making sure every corner was perfect, as he had done countless times before.

“Is there anything else?” he asked when he finished.

Yue Hua gently traced a line from Cang Yun’s hair to his lips. “Smile for me.”

No muscle twitched in response.

“Smile.” Yue Hua tried to force a smile by pushing up the corners of Cang Yun’s mouth, creating a comical expression. Instead of laughing, Yue Hua’s eyes welled up.

“Do you remember the past?” His voice trembled. “Do you remember me?”

Cang Yun remained silent.

Yue Hua leaned forward, embracing Cang Yun’s head as tears rolled down. “You said I could order you to do anything, but you can’t even smile. You liar, a big liar.”

……

Eight years later.

The former emperor had passed away, and the young new emperor had ascended to the throne—a piece of news that was already four years old.

Since the birth of the Lone Star warriors, no other race dared to target Tianxiu. Enemies that once invaded and humiliated them received their retribution. The Wolf Star’s vast Desert Tribe, one of the largest, faced devastating retribution, leading to their complete disintegration and demise.

Tianxiu experienced an unprecedented peace. It seemed they had little to worry about, but one issue remained unresolved. Ever since the new emperor’s ascension, there had been persistent calls for him to take a queen. However, he had been delaying using various excuses. Several elder statesmen spent considerable effort persuading the new emperor to think of the royal lineage and settle down.

Finally, today, the whole nation awaited the long-anticipated wedding ceremony.

“Your Majesty, the ceremony is about to begin. Where are you going?” The master of ceremonies asked anxiously as he followed behind.

Yue Hua didn’t turn his head. “I’m just saying goodbye to an old friend. I won’t run away from the wedding. You don’t need to worry.”

The master of ceremonies sighed in exasperation. The young emperor was truly worrisome.

The heavy door creaked open, revealing a grand, ornate hall with only one person standing alone inside. Hearing the sound, the man turned around and respectfully said, “Your Majesty.”

Yue Hua signaled his attendants to push him forward, then waved them away.

“You may leave. I have something to discuss with him privately.”

The attendants obeyed and left. Once the massive doors closed, only the two of them remained. Yue Hua, supporting himself on the armrest, struggled to stand and took steps to approach Cang Yun.

“I’m getting married. Continuing the royal lineage is my responsibility. Did you foresee this day coming? Is that why you chose to abandon all emotions early on?”

“But that’s okay. Only I hold our memories. Only I have felt sorrow every day for the past eight years. You, knowing nothing, might indeed be blessed in a way.”

Yue Hua lowered his head, took Cang Yun’s hand, and solemnly placed a hexagram emblem in his palm, then closed Cang Yun’s fingers around it.

“You possess eternal life, while I know my time is limited. I hope you can protect my descendants forever, just as you protected me. This is my last request.”

Attendants escorted the young emperor out. In the distance, the sound of ceremonial cannons boomed. The ceremony was about to begin.

Standing in the center of the vast hall, Cang Yun’s face remained expressionless, but a silent tear rolled down his cheek.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 107

Fu Yao rushed into the blaze, only to see Ying Feng standing alone. Aside from an unrecognizable corpse that clearly wasn’t of the Tianxiu people, no one else was present.

“Ying Feng! Where’s Ling Xiao?” Explosions resounded around them. Fu Yao shouted over the noise.

Ying Feng stood still, seemingly deaf to both the explosions and Fu Yao’s voice.

Another loud bang was heard as debris fell nearby. Fu Yao knew they couldn’t stay there for long. He needed to get Ying Feng out first.

“This place is going to be destroyed. Let’s move!” He tried to pull Ying Feng but couldn’t move him.

Seeing Ying Feng’s despondent look, as if he wished for death, Fu Yao cursed under his breath and struck Ying Feng, knocking him unconscious. Carrying him, Fu Yao dashed out.

Burning obstacles fell in their path. Fu Yao waved his hand, extinguishing the fire in front of him, paving a path of ice and snow.

Supporting Ying Feng, Fu Yao sped out of the starship. Nie Yun, piloting a spacecraft, quickly came to their rescue. They had just escaped the danger zone when a massive explosion destroyed the starship, which looked like a grand firework before it faded.

This starship, wanted by the military for decades, had finally met its end.

Long Yin looked at the recovered Ying Feng. He had awakened from unconsciousness yet remained silent and looked lost, like a wandering soul.

It was the most profound loss Long Yin had ever experienced in his life. None of his campaigns over the years had ended in such a disastrous defeat.

Everyone waited for his instruction. Long Yin sighed. “Return to the surface, to the command center.”

“I want to go back to school.” Ying Feng, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.

His subordinates looked at Long Yin uncertainly.

“I want to go back to school,” Ying Feng repeated.

Left with no choice, Long Yin could only wave his hand helplessly. “Take him back.”

The military fleet landed at the Royal Sky landing pad. Ying Feng, holding Xiao Hui, disembarked from the spaceship alone.

“Is it okay to let him go back alone?” Nie Yun asked worriedly from behind.

Fu Yao, watching Ying Feng’s departing figure, had a complicated expression. “Let him have some time alone.”

The long night had passed, and dawn was breaking. Ying Feng bent down to put down Xiao Hui. As he looked up, the first rays of the sunrise met his eyes. Instinctively, he raised his hand to shield them from the dazzling light.

Though it was early, there were students exercising on the campus. As Ying Feng walked, a student running towards him shouted:

“Ying Feng! Ling Xiao has caused trouble again. Go check on him!”

Ying Feng paused. “What did you say?”

Thinking he hadn’t heard clearly, the student repeated louder. “I said why are you up so early today. Walking your dog?”

It took a few seconds for Ying Feng to realize he had misheard. He walked away in a daze.

The student who greeted him looked back, puzzled. What’s wrong with Ying Feng today?

Returning to the dormitory he once shared with Ling Xiao, a large photo on the wall served as a constant reminder of Ling Xiao’s presence. Ying Feng slowly sat on the bed, gazing at the picture. He then reached into his chest pocket.

Where he once kept a token from his past life lover, he now felt a small metal box. He opened it to reveal two rings. He took out one, engraved with a date from a year ago.

Xiao Hui struggled to climb onto the bed. Usually, it wouldn’t dare to do so when Ying Feng was around, but today Ying Feng didn’t stop it. It rested its small head on Ying Feng’s leg, its light gray eyes filled with a sorrow mirroring Ying Feng’s.

Sunset followed by sunrise, the time outside was changing, but the time inside the house seemed forever frozen on that day. Outside, there came loud knocks on the door, intermingled with Red Head’s shouts:

“Ying Feng! You’ve been inside for three days and nights. If you don’t open the door, I’ll break in!”

Inside, there was complete silence. Red Head exchanged a glance with Bing Can, then teleported into Ying Feng’s dorm room, quickly opening the door for Bing Can and the others.

“Ying Feng! How long do you plan to mope in here?” Without waiting for a response, Red Head stormed into the bedroom. The abrupt change in lighting caught him off guard. Even though it was bright outside, thick curtains inside blocked all light, turning the room into perpetual night, seemingly never to see dawn again.

Ying Feng sat motionless with Xiao Hui beside him, the creature having neither eaten nor drunk for three days.

Seeing this, Red Head felt a mix of sorrow and anger. He stormed to the window, ready to pull back the curtains.

“Don’t open them.”

The petrified Ying Feng suddenly whispered.

Red Head’s action paused midway. A sliver of the curtain was pulled back, letting a shaft of sunlight stream in. The beam of light, trying its best, illuminated the dark room. Standing by the window, facing outside, the sun’s warmth hit Red Head’s face, yet his hands gripping the curtains trembled.

Bing Can, having observed everything, sighed and softly said, “I know you’re grieving, but you must think of Xiao Hui. If you continue to neglect yourself, it will die.”

His words stirred Ying Feng. Lowering his gaze, he saw Xiao Hui, weak and almost lifeless. Yu Ji extended his hand. “Give it to me.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Ying Feng handed over the frail creature. In just three days, Xiao Hui had lost so much weight that Ying Feng could feel its bones.

Watching Yu Ji take Xiao Hui away, Bing Can crouched again. “Of all the people I’ve met, you have one of the strongest spirits. It’s time to pull yourself together. We all hope for you to heal. Losing a friend has already saddened us enough; we can’t lose you too.”

“Do you remember? During the entrance exam, Ling Xiao said you were his pride. I believe Ling Xiao wouldn’t want to see his pride like this. He was such a bright, positive person. Please remember him that way and choose to live on with vigor.”

Having said that, Bing Can stood up and signaled to Red Head. “Let’s go.”

Only then did Red Head turn around, tear streaks evident on his face.

Quietness returned to the room, and after what felt like an eternity, the person inside finally began to move.

……

Fu Yao looked at the person in front of him. Even though he had tried his best to groom himself, the signs of exhaustion were undeniable.

Ying Feng didn’t speak, waiting for Fu Yao to decide his future.

“After discussing with other instructors,” Fu Yao finally broke the silence after a while, “you can transfer to the Combat Command Department, or any other specialty in Royal Sky that interests you. You don’t need to make a decision now. When you’ve made your choice, let me know.”

Ying Feng nodded calmly. “Okay.”

Seeing him like this, Fu Yao felt even more distressed. He walked over to Ying Feng, raised his hand, and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

“I’m truly sorry,” he said.

Ying Feng turned ninety degrees, gave him a military salute, and left without looking back.

Someone was waiting outside his dormitory. Seeing Ying Feng return, he immediately stood straight.

“Ying Feng, you’re back. I knocked earlier, but you weren’t here. Your classmates told me you went out.”

Ying Feng glanced at the slightly nervous Heng He and gave a brief greeting. “What are you doing here?”

“I…” Heng He lowered his head awkwardly. “I heard about Ling Xiao. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

This was the second time in a short while that Ying Feng had heard similar words, and he felt somewhat numb.

“Thank you for visiting,” Ying Feng replied succinctly.

“There’s also…”

Heng He hesitated, pulling out a small chip from his pocket. “This is Ling Xiao’s keepsake. I thought it best to give it to you.”

Ying Feng took it with two fingers and realized it was a holographic storage card.

“What’s on this?”

“…You’ll know when you watch it.”

After Heng He left, Ying Feng returned to his room and plugged the storage card into the player. The beginning of the video was blank. He went into the bedroom to take off his coat when a familiar voice echoed from the living room.

“I’m about to undergo treatment. After this treatment, I might lose all memories from the past three months…”

Ying Feng, dropping his coat, stumbled back to the living room. In the center of the room, a figure sat, speaking earnestly, “…To me, these memories are precious, so I chose to record them. Even if I forget them someday, they won’t truly be lost.”

Ying Feng slowly approached the holographic figure in disbelief, trying to touch it. But as he reached out, his hand passed right through, drawing a defeated arc in the air.

Xiao Hui also ran out, seeing Ling Xiao’s image. It excitedly tried to pounce on him but passed right through and landed on the ground. Undeterred, Xiaohui turned and pounced again and again, repeatedly passing through Ling Xiao’s holographic image without being able to touch him. Yet, it persisted in its attempts, all the while its nostrils flaring strongly, showing its confusion at not being able to detect Ling Xiao’s scent.

The projected Ling Xiao gazed in the direction of the camera, looking past Ying Feng to the wall behind.

His voice continued, “…He took me to the seaside for our honeymoon. We dove in bubbles, turned seawater into hot springs, and made wishes upon shooting stars… He drew a portrait of me, which I’ve stored in my secret stash along with other gifts he gave me…”

A secret stash…?

Recalling something, Ying Feng dashed back into his bedroom, frantically searching. After a thorough search, he found a black box under his bed, which Ling Xiao had never let him see.

Holding the box, he hesitated to open it, recalling a sentence Ling Xiao had told him long ago—

If I ever die, open it and take a look.

It felt like an eternity before he finally opened it. The first thing he saw was a fragment of fabric. Ying Feng recognized it—it was the piece of sleeve torn off when Lan Sheng fell from a building, the one he had personally given to Ling Xiao.

It was that day when Ling Xiao, holding onto the fabric, vowed in front of Ping Zong’s portrait never to become anyone’s Qizi. Yet, he ended up becoming his own—until just a few days ago.

The first drawing he made of Ling Xiao was placed underneath the fabric piece. In the drawing, Ling Xiao was depicted with contentedly squinted eyes, with an aura of happiness that seemed about to burst from the paper.

Ying Feng picked up the drawing, revealing a plastic bag beneath. The pink bag radiated a shy hue, and on it was an image of a little girl in a magical costume. He carefully examined it for a long time, finally recalling that it was the packaging for the strawberry bread he had once bought for Ling Xiao. Surprisingly, Ling Xiao had saved the packaging, and the gift he referred to giving Ying Feng was this.

Ying Feng carefully extracted each bag, one by one. For a box of bread with 24 packs, there were 24 wrappers. He counted each, none missing, none left behind. However, after taking the last pink one, he found another bag at the bottom, but it wasn’t pink.

With trembling hands, Ying Feng picked up the yellow bag adorned with a banana pattern. The once naive and penniless figure who couldn’t even afford food was confidently striking a combat pose in front of him.

It’s not yet determined who will bully whom. By the way, I prefer the taste of banana over strawberry.

If the person standing in front of you now was your lover from your past life, I don’t believe you’d dare do to him what you did to me yesterday!

You’re truly amazing, and I’m proud of you.

If I had to make a wish, instead of gaining, I’d wish not to lose.

Ying Feng, I’ve liked you for a very long time. It feels so good to say this as an equal.

Tears dropped on the bag, blurring its design. If they could start over, if he had known Ling Xiao’s feelings earlier, would his current regrets not be so overwhelming and all-consuming?

Ling Xiao’s voice came softly from the next room, as if it had traveled through a thousand years to reach him.

“…But if I truly forget and the memories restored aren’t as beautiful as they are now, I wouldn’t regret the decision I made today. Because only he knows the efforts we’ve made together. It’s unfair. This feeling, obtained after enduring countless hardships, I want to share it with him, no matter what…”

……

Four and a half years later.

“See that? On our left, most are Qizis, and as you move to the right, there are more Qizhus. Those of us standing in the middle represent the dividing line of the school. That’s because the Joint Combat program is the only major where the ratio of Qizhu to Qizi is always maintained at 1:1,” someone explained to the freshmen.

“Really?” The newcomers looked around, and suddenly one of them pointed at a man in a deep blue Qizhu uniform and asked, “Hey, isn’t that odd? There’s a solo Qizhu up front. Why is there no one beside him?”

The person looked at the upright figure ahead and was instantly filled with sympathy. “Him? He used to be a student in our program, but his Qizi met with an accident, so he transferred to the Command Program midway. But for every entrance and graduation ceremony, he returns. The spot next to him is always vacant.”

In the blink of an eye, half a year passed. Ying Feng completed his final term at Royal Sky. Before leaving, he went to bid farewell to Fu Yao. Even though he was no longer his student, Fu Yao had always taken good care of him over the years.

“Made up your mind then? Not joining the military department?”

“Yes,” Ying Feng replied.

“I’m a bit disappointed, but I respect your decision. If you ever change your mind, you can come to me anytime.”

Ying Feng saluted, bid him goodbye, and departed.

The priest was watering plants in the churchyard when a yellow sports car pulled up, quietly parking outside. A figure stepped out, wearing sunglasses, dragging a suitcase, accompanied by a large, majestic gray wolf.

In the five years since Ling Xiao’s departure, Ying Feng had frequently visited here. The priest had become very familiar with him and occasionally let him stay overnight in the room once occupied by Ling Xing.

“You’ve graduated.”

“Yes.” Ying Feng nodded. “May I stay here?”

“Of course,” the priest replied with a smile, stepping aside. “As long as you don’t mind the small room, you can stay as long as you like.”

Ying Feng nodded in gratitude and, accompanied by Xiao Hui, entered the church’s main door.

<End of Royal Sky Arc>

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 106

A shadow flickered in the darkness, and among the people present, only Zhen He noticed it. He glanced over the pale-faced Ying Feng, the stunned Ling Xiao, and the almost insane Zhu Yue, and seeing that no one was paying attention to him, discreetly retreated from the scene.

Lan Sheng was in a hurry to leave when suddenly, a shadow flashed in front of him, blocking his path.

“Is it you?” Lan Sheng took a cautious step back. He didn’t recognize this person but knew he was Zhu Yue’s contract partner. Having failed to snatch a soul earlier, he wasn’t sure what this person intended now.

“You heard everything, didn’t you?” Zhen He asked.

Taken aback, Lan Sheng nervously denied, “No.”

“Weren’t you just preparing a spaceship to leave?” Zhen He easily saw through him. “Don’t think you can easily take someone away. Besides, as you’ve already heard, your good friend will soon vanish from this world.”

Realizing he’d been found out, Lan Sheng’s hands gradually moved behind him. However, Zhen He spoke again. “But if you wish to save him, there might be a way.”

Lan Sheng paused, halting his motion to draw a weapon. “What?”

……

Xing Lou gently laid Yue Ying on the bed. Because of the unbearable pain, his frail body curled up, and he crumpled the sheets in his grip. Xing Lou looked sorrowfully at Yue Ying, who was much weaker than the average person. Comparing ancient Tianxiu beings to modern ones, the former seemed fragile, where a minor injury could be fatal.

“Just endure this for a while,” Xing Lou whispered to comfort him.

Yue Ying had already prepared mentally. Compared to the pain he’d borne over the years, this was nothing. After today, he too would have eternal life. Although he would be forcibly transformed into a species he detested, it wouldn’t prevent him from surviving.

Amidst the pain, Yue Ying tried to distract himself with conversation. “Do you truly trust that Zhu Yue won’t sabotage the process?”

Xing Lou brushed back the damp golden strands on Yue Ying’s forehead. “He wants Ling Xiao gone more than anyone. A simple death isn’t enough for him. He desires to use you, in Ling Xiao’s body, to oppose Ying Feng. Alive or dead, he won’t spare either of them.”

Yue Ying gave a sardonic laugh, cut off by a sharp intake of breath due to the pain. “Such a ruthless person. No wonder he survived that catastrophe. I feel sorry for those who offended him.”

“With the wisdom of the ancient Tianxiu people and the strength of the modern ones, who knows what he’s capable of if he’s ill-intentioned? Even if we have a hundred enemies, I wouldn’t want an unstable ally.”

With those few words, Xing Lou seemed to have sealed Zhu Yue’s fate, making Yue Ying’s pain seem to lessen a bit.

“Soon, I’ll be someone else. Seeing a different face every day, will you be able to handle it?”

Xing Lou chuckled softly and lay down beside him. “I’ve reincarnated countless times in front of you, always with a different appearance. Haven’t you always accepted me regardless? After thousands of years, physical appearances mean little to me. It’s the person you are that matters.”

He reached out and held Yue Ying’s hand tightly. “Ling Xiao has already reverted to his original form. Once I awaken in this lifetime, we can undergo the coming-of-age ceremony, and you will no longer fear death.”

“I want to be the Qizhu,” Yue Ying said.

“Then I’ll let you be the Qizhu,” Xing Lou agreed without hesitation.

Contentedly, Yue Ying closed his eyes. Everything he had at the moment made him very satisfied, making the millennia of waiting worthwhile.

Ying Feng shut off the communication signal, and silence engulfed the surroundings. Everyone cautiously looked at him, yet no one dared to speak up.

“Do we have a star map?” he asked.

“Yes.” Fu Yao pressed a button on the control panel, and a hovering holographic projection of a planet appeared in midair.

“Which area was the location I found earlier?”

Fu Yao drew a circle around a position in the universe with his finger, leaving a yellowish mist in the air. “About a sphere this big in radius.”

Ying Feng closely observed the star map, drew a line from Zhiyang to Tianxiu, and then drew an arrow through it.

“They just left the extended line between Zhiyang and Tianxiu, probably navigating in this direction. Concentrate the search in the intersecting area.”

Everyone had a sudden realization, and they quickly communicated the latest coordinate range. The military dispatched all their fleets for a carpet search. However, in the vast universe, finding a starship with a stealth system was no easy task.

Time ticked away, and just when everyone secretly worried that Ying Feng might not hold on, exhilarating news came.

“A703 found a suspicious target. Coordinates…” a string of numbers was reported through the communicator.

Ying Feng ordered before Fu Yao could, “Head there immediately!”

The pilot didn’t even wait for his own general’s order; he ignited the thrusters straight away. The spaceship’s speed began to increase linearly, and dozens of warships from all directions also turned and accelerated, converging towards the same direction.

Underneath the control panel, where others couldn’t see, Ying Feng clenched his fist tightly. Half an hour had passed since communication was cut off. Ling Xiao, you must hang on.

……

Ling Xiao had a peculiar device placed over his head. He understood that this was probably the final step of the consciousness transfer process that Zhu Yue had mentioned. Being unable to move, he could only let it be.

Beside him, Yue Ying wore the same device. The two sat side by side, and their vastly different destinies were about to unfold.

“Are you sure there’s no issue?” Even if he believed that Zhu Yue genuinely wanted to get rid of Ling Xiao, Xing Lou still asked cautiously.

“Of course, that’s how I survived,” Zhu Yue confidently replied. “It took me a whole year to replicate this device. I’ve checked every data countless times. There won’t be any issues.”

Xing Lou, hearing his solemn promise, slightly relaxed.

“Where’s Lan Sheng?” Xing Lou looked around but didn’t see any sign of Lan Sheng.

“It’s better if he’s not here. Saves a lot of trouble,” Zhu Yue ordered Zhen He. “If he appears later, control him. Don’t let him interfere with my grand plan.”

Zhen He gave no response. Zhu Yue knew this was his style and didn’t emphasize further.

“Are you ready?” Zhu Yue’s question was more directed at Ling Xiao. “You just said your goodbyes to your Qizhu. Now, it’s time to say goodbye to this world.”

“Ying Feng won’t go easy just because Yue Ying looks like me,” Ling Xiao calmly stated. “We’ve already agreed. If I might become a sinner of Tianxiu, he’ll eliminate me before that happens.”

“Really?” Zhu Yue sneered. “If he could truly bring himself to obliterate your soul while you’re in a fledgling state, that would be quite a scene.”

“By then, I won’t be myself anymore,” Ling Xiao retorted. “Even if it’s my body, I believe he can differentiate better than anyone.”

Zhu Yue wanted to respond, but Xing Lou interrupted him.

“Stop wasting time and hurry up.”

Zhu Yue could only shake his head regretfully. “Goodbye, or rather, farewell forever.”

He pulled the lever, and the progress bar on the device above the two started moving.

Xing Lou knelt down, holding Yue Ying’s hand to his chest. This was the last time he’d see this person in this body, and naturally, he wanted to cherish the sight.

“No matter who you become, I swear I’ll always be loyal to you. I’ll build a new Tianxiu for you. This time, I won’t break my promise.”

Yue Ying gave a slight smile. “I believe you.”

Ling Xiao suddenly became curious. If he was the past self who was absolutely loyal to Yue Ying, would he actively offer his own body and soul to save his life? But he was no longer Yue Ying’s “Qizi”. In this life, only Ying Feng was his Qizhu.

Ling Xiao closed his eyes, and all he could see was the pale face of a certain person. He thought that with Ying Feng’s strong spirit, there was nothing in the world that could hurt him, but he never expected that he himself would become the bullet aimed at his heart.

He remembered the confession that was aborted halfway. Not confessing my feelings to you in person is the greatest regret of my life. If there’s still a chance, if there’s still a chance…

The progress bar finally stabilized at the end. The two people on the left and right both hung their heads quietly, as if they had fallen asleep. Xing Lou held his breath, waiting for one of them to wake up.

After a long time, Ling Xiao slowly opened his eyes, looking somewhat bewildered.

“…Yue Ying?” Xing Lou asked tentatively.

Ling Xiao looked around the scene again and finally settled his gaze on Xing Lou.

“I am Ling Xiao.”

Xing Lou stood up abruptly, with a look of disbelief on his face. “Impossible! Where’s Yue Ying?!”

Yue Ying remained motionless. Xing Lou struggled to reach out, but the person had no breath left. Ling Xiao lowered his head in disbelief, looking at his own chest. “He’s here, I can feel it. His life has disappeared, but a part of his consciousness remains here.”

It was endless and everlasting hatred towards the Tianxiu people. Even if he had perished, his will lingered.

Xing Lou’s eyes were red with anger as he glared at Zhu Yue. The latter was startled and took a step back. “No, this can’t be…”

He quickly checked the instrument and found that someone had moved the pointer representing the retention object. It originally pointed to A but now pointed to B. Such a slight change could affect the outcome of the entire experiment.

“Someone tampered with my instrument.” Zhu Yue’s voice changed. “Who?!”

His device was locked in his room, and he fetched it personally. Apart from Zhen He, no one could enter. But Zhu Yue, who never fully trusted Zhen He, had early on placed a suggestion on him that if he had any ill intentions, he would be electrocuted.

A shadow moved in the dark, seemingly trying to take the opportunity to escape. Xing Lou caught it sharply. “Is it you?!”

Zhu Yue also turned his head immediately. Seeing Lan Sheng, he couldn’t believe he was the culprit.

“How did you do it? Who told you…” Zhu Yue’s voice stopped abruptly as he suddenly thought of someone. Lan Sheng knew it would be difficult to leave with Ling Xiao intact, so he took out a dagger and made a desperate charge at Xing Lou.

Bang—

There was a loud noise. Lan Sheng looked in surprise at the hole the size of a fist in his chest, then at himself, and finally at Ling Xiao. The dagger from Ping Zong slipped from his hand, signaling the toll of death. “Lan Sheng!” Ling Xiao screamed in anguish.

Xing Lou repeatedly fired, and Lan Sheng’s body kept twitching until the gun’s energy was completely drained.

“Enough! Stop it!” Ling Xiao screamed hoarsely but couldn’t prevent it from happening.

Lan Sheng’s eyelids gradually drooped, and countless blue light spots emerged from his body, just like that morning when Ping Zong appeared in front of him.

“Ling Xiao…” A weak Lan Sheng called his name.

“I’m sorry…” Was it too late to say these words now? Tears streamed down Ling Xiao’s face, and he couldn’t utter a complete sentence.

Lan Sheng closed his eyes and fell forward.

“Ping Zong, I’ve missed you for so long. Now I can finally forget you…”

Fragments gathered into a light ball, penetrated the spaceship’s shell, and flew into the vast universe. Inside a nearby ship, someone immediately reported the latest discovery.

“Report! Signs of soul reincarnation detected!”

Ying Feng and others rushed to the command post, watching a soul fly like a meteor towards the direction of Tianxiu.

No longer able to contain his impatience, Ying Feng tightly gripped his right hand and left the spaceship.

“Hey!” Fu Yao couldn’t stop him in time and immediately ordered, “Follow him!”

Xing Lou held the lifeless body of Yue Ying, tears dropping one by one onto his motionless face.

“I waited for you for thousands of years, yet you couldn’t spare more than a day for me…”

The Eagle began to shake violently, with electric sparks flying everywhere and flames erupting.

Zhu Yue sensed something was wrong and looked up. “Damn, he activated the self-destruct program!”

He dropped everything and ran towards the lower deck, shouting the name of his Qizi.

“Zhen He!”

A shuttlecraft stopped in front of him, its hatch opened, revealing the person inside.

Seeing him, Zhu Yue let out a sigh of relief and quickly jumped in.

“Let’s go. This place is about to explode!”

Zhen He waited for him to enter, calmly closed the hatch, and started the engine. The shuttlecraft sped away from the spaceship, and within seconds, the exploding Eagle was left behind.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Zhu Yue remarked, “He actually wanted to die alongside Ling Xiao in his fledgling state. What a lunatic, I won’t accompany him in that.”

Looking at Zhen He beside him, his voice turned menacing. “It was you, right? You tampered with the instruments using Lan Sheng, ruining my plan.”

“You just wanted revenge on Ying Feng and Ling Xiao. Isn’t breaking the blood pact and dissipating their soul enough?”

Zhu Yue was about to retaliate when Zhen He continued, “If Yue Ying had survived, they would have targeted you next. Even if you left Tianxiu, they wouldn’t let you go. But now, no one can stop us. We can, as you said, go to a new planet, forget the past, and start a new life.”

Zhu Yue stared at him for a long moment, his demeanor softening. He murmured, “Fine.”

“Even though I know this is because of the genes inside you that are loyal to the nation, I’m already pleased that you’ve thought of such an excuse for my sake.”

Contentedly, he closed his eyes. His goal of revenge against Ying Feng was achieved. Compared to the bright future Zhen He painted, the survival of this planet was no longer significant. Let those artificial beings continue their foolish and ignorant existence.

The shuttlecraft initiated its first warp. After a while, Zhu Yue opened his eyes, sensing something amiss.

“Where are you taking us?”

“Of course, to a new planet,” Zhen He calmly replied.

Zhu Yue frowned, noticing the auto-navigation of the shuttlecraft and its representation blinking on the star map.

“Where did you set the destination?” Zhu Yue felt strangely heavy.

“To a very, very distant planet.” Zhen He leaned back. “So far that our souls will vanish, never to return.”

“What?!” Zhu Yue exclaimed in shock and anger. “Why would you do this?!”

“Because as a Qizi, I can’t harm you. Even if I could, I wouldn’t want you to reincarnate so easily. So, I’m taking you to a place without reincarnation, to face true death.”

“Stop this!” Zhu Yue reached out, the red emergency stop button glaringly prominent. Yet his movements became stiffer, and he could only watch, paralyzed, as the button remained just out of reach.

“Just give up.” Zhen He’s movements also became sluggish, even his speech was affected. “This place is filled with a gas that paralyzes the Tianxiu people. Even you can’t resist its effects.”

Zhu Yue’s hand grew heavier, barely touching the edge of the button before falling limply.

“Just enjoy the last moments of your life.” Zhen He mustered all his strength to lift his palm, placing it over Zhu Yue’s hand. “At least this time, I’m with you.”

Explosions echoed within the Eagle. Ling Xiao, connected to unknown wires, sat next to Xing Lou, who still clung to Yue Ying, oblivious to the violent shakes and falling debris.

Ying Feng teleported inside without hesitation. The interior of the spaceship was collapsing, with flames and obstacles blocking his path.

He finally found Ling Xiao, sitting in a chair with an unknown device on his head.

Ling Xiao also noticed him, thinking it was a hallucination as he approached death. He was speechless for a while.

“…Ling Xiao?” Ying Feng hesitantly asked.

Only then did Ling Xiao believe it wasn’t an illusion, and with a silly grin, he replied, “It’s me.”

Ying Feng heaved a long sigh of relief, activated the soul crystal in his hand, forcefully pried open the metal that bound Ling Xiao, and swiftly helped him regain his freedom.

“Let’s go. We need to get out of here.” Ying Feng grabbed his hand, ready to lead him away.

“It’s useless.” The previously silent Xing Lou suddenly spoke up.

Ying Feng had no interest in hearing him out. As he took a step, Xing Lou’s voice followed.

“He will soon disappear from this moment in time, joining me, going back thousands of years to the very beginning of your existence.”

“What?” Ying Feng turned around in shock.

Xing Lou murmured, “I waited for thousands of years, only to face this ending. I want you to feel the same pain, to understand the agony of waiting for a millennium.”

Only then did Ying Feng notice the wires connected from Ling Xiao’s hand to Xing Lou. He immediately tried to sever it.

“It’s too late. He will be forever adrift in the fissures of time, until he dissipates in the river of history.”

Xing Lou lowered his head, gazing at Yue Ying with reluctance. “Time is running out. If you have any last words, say them now, lest you regret it when it’s too late.”

Ying Feng turned to the person next to him in disbelief, sensing Ling Xiao’s uncontrollable trembling hand.

Ling Xiao raised Ying Feng’s hand, their fingers intertwined tightly. They existed in each other’s eyes, sharing the same shade of gray.

The surrounding flames made Ling Xiao’s face glow, and never had he appeared more radiant.

It felt like someone was squeezing Ying Feng’s heart, pushing the oxygen up inch by inch, nearly suffocating him.

This person was the past-life companion he had been searching for and the one he had in this life but lost again.

Tears welled up in Ling Xiao’s eyes, but he revealed the most beautiful smile.

“Ying Feng, I like you. I’ve liked you for a very long time.”

“It feels so good to say this as an equal.”

“Ling Xiao!”

Ying Feng’s hand felt empty, and the person in front of him vanished. He desperately called out the name, but Ling Xiao was nowhere to be found in the world.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 105

Ling Xiao, lying on the bed, slowly opened his eyes. Lan Sheng nervously crouched beside the bed. After confirming his gray eyes, he sighed in relief. Meanwhile, Zhu Yue stood arrogantly by the side. Seeing this, he smirked in ridicule.

Ling Xiao looked at the two of them—one towering above and the other lower. They met in Bikong and spent their fledgling period there, experiencing friendship and conflicts. Lan Sheng always looked down on Zhu Yue. He even had a big fight with him when Zhu Yue insulted Lan Sheng. However, no matter what, those young and impulsive fledglings never harbored such immense malice towards others, treating lives like grass. After leaving the gates of Bikong, their paths diverged, and they could never return to the old days.

Lan Sheng grabbed Ling Xiao’s hand and tentatively called out. “Ling Xiao?”

Ling Xiao closed his eyes. He couldn’t move, but at least he could choose not to see.

Lan Sheng seemed disappointed, but he didn’t give up, whispering, “I know it’s hard for you to accept this now, but it’s okay. I’ll be with you until you find yourself.”

Zhu Yue left and came back with another syringe. Lan Sheng defensively stood up and pushed him, asking, “What are you doing?”

Zhu Yue clearly disapproved of Lan Sheng’s actions and warned, “Just because I couldn’t beat you in Bikong doesn’t mean I can’t now. If you care about your friend, step aside.”

Facing the taller Zhu Yue, Lan Sheng still stood in front of Ling Xiao, insisting, “I need to know what you’re injecting him with!”

“Have you never been through the tumultuous phase?” Zhu Yue mocked. “The presence of another soul in one’s body causes rejection. I’m just kindly giving him a sedative.”

Lan Sheng was skeptical about Zhu Yue’s intentions, but the term “tumultuous phase” startled him, leading him to reluctantly step aside. Zhu Yue, seeing Lan Sheng’s concession, was pleased.

The supposedly sedative, transparent liquid was injected into Ling Xiao, but he soon realized something was wrong. This wasn’t a sedative. Every inch of him felt like it was about to explode in pain. However, the drug must contain sedative components because, despite the pain, he couldn’t move at all. Lan Sheng, deceived by this facade, believed Zhu Yue’s words and was oblivious to Ling Xiao’s agony.

After dealing with Ling Xiao, Zhu Yue also gave Yue Ying a shot. Yue Ying’s body seemed frail, showing clear signs of exhaustion.

“It’s done.” Zhu Yue glanced at the time. “You two should rest. The nobler the lineage of the ancient Tianxiu blood, the weaker the body. After such a long journey from the genetic center to here, it must be the limit for you, right?”

Xing Lou, surprisingly, didn’t object and pushed Yue Ying away. Ling Xiao, though paralyzed, was still keen of hearing. He found it odd how both of them obeyed Zhu Yue. Zhu Yue’s words to Yue Ying were even weirder.

Ling Xiao’s mind was still racing with concerns for others, even in his critical state. Lan Sheng leaned close, whispering, “You should rest too.”

His next words were even softer, and Ling Xiao suspected only he could hear. “Once you wake up, I’ll take you away from here.”

Ling Xiao wished he could tell him how naive he was. What made him believe they would be let go?

As he heard Lan Sheng’s departing footsteps, someone adjusted his bed, forcing him to sit up. Opening his eyes, he saw it was Zhu Yue.

Zhu Yue squatted down in front of him.

“Does it hurt? Body modification is not a comfortable thing. I’ve experienced the same pain.” His eyes drifted to the side, seemingly reminiscing the past. “It’s a pity that it was a long time ago, and I can’t quite remember. So, I can’t share in your pain. What a regret.”

Though he spoke so, his expression clearly indicated regret, not for the other’s pain but because he couldn’t derive greater pleasure from it.

“But don’t worry. This process is quick. Soon you won’t feel any pain; in fact, you won’t feel anything.” Zhu Yue’s voice grew colder. “Because you will disappear from this world.”

Ling Xiao found he could speak gradually. “Who… are you…”

Zhu Yue answered indifferently, “Remember that off-campus internship in Bikong? It was during that internship that you and Ying Feng met the Kui.”

How could Ling Xiao forget? That was one of the most profound memories in his life.

“I accidentally obtained the soul stone of that Kui. Have you ever heard of the legend about the soul stone? It contains ancient history, and if you possess it, you can recover memories from a thousand years ago.”

Ling Xiao had heard, but he thought it was just a legend.

“Let me tell you, that legend is true.”

“You mean…?”

“Yes.” Zhu Yue knew what Ling Xiao wanted to ask. “I have memories of my soul’s first life. What Yue Ying told you was just a story to you, but for me, it was a personal experience.”

“I witnessed the prosperity of the ancient Tianxiu, the revolt of the artificial humans, the fall of the imperial power, and the birth of the Republic. My memories are even more direct than Yue Ying’s because he was frozen early on, but I saw everything firsthand. I saw my race being destroyed by you.”

Ling Xiao was taken aback. “You aren’t a Tianxiu?”

Zhu Yue stood up. “I should say I am the real Tianxiu. With your powerful forces, you sought to exterminate us who were powerless. To survive, I had to abandon my body, obtain immortality in my Qizi, and through reincarnations, I forgot that I was a Tianxiu.”

Ling Xiao finally understood why Zhu Yue had such rare pale yellow hair and why he seemed so weak compared to them. A bold speculation sprouted in his heart.

“You want me to keep Yue Ying alive?”

“Yes, our unfortunate prince contracted a rare disease before he reached adulthood. The medical science of that era couldn’t help. As a last resort, they froze his body, hoping future medical advancements could cure him.”

“But today’s medicine…”

“How could it cure his disease?” Zhu Yue finished his sentence. “Without treatment, even if Yue Ying awakens, he won’t live for more than six months. Now you know why Xing Lou collaborates with me, right? Because he needs me. Without me, his thousand-year wait would be in vain.”

“And you? Do you want revenge like Yue Ying?”

Zhu Yue’s eyes softened, an emotion rarely seen. Ling Xiao wondered if he was mistaken.

“My wish is simple. Initially, I just wanted those who looked down on me to see me differently, to make those who rejected me regret it. I used to think that not being looked down upon was everything in life. Now, I realize how naive that was.”

Zhen He came down holding a box. As he and Zhu Yue faced each other, Ling Xiao understood the source of that rare tenderness.

“Due to my inherent flaws, after awakening, I’ve always been ridiculed and bullied. Even when I willingly offered my heart’s blood, no one wanted it. You were the first person who paid attention to me without mocking. Even knowing you were deceiving me, I was happy.”

Facing Zhu Yue’s heartfelt confession, Zhen He remained silent; his expression looked like he was smiling but not.

“Once Yue Ying possesses Ling Xiao’s body, he will surely begin his revenge, plunging this planet into chaos and bloodshed. Thousands of years have passed, and I’ve long regarded myself as a Tianxiu person, and the grudge of extermination was diluted by time. Now, I don’t care how others see me. I don’t want to be dragged into war. I just want to live with the person I like.” He placed his hand on Zhen He’s chest. “Can we forget about today and start over?”

“Would you still meet your first love?” Zhen He raised an eyebrow.

The previously gentle-faced Zhu Yue quickly turned cold. “Of course, I spent so much time and laid so many plans just for this moment. I want him to regret, to experience unbearable pain.”

His words were delivered with such vehemence that it was as if he were a completely different person from a moment ago.

But in the blink of an eye, he smiled sweetly again.

“After this is over, let’s go to another planet, away from all this, alright?”

After a moment, Zhen He responded to him, “Alright.”

A simple answer made Zhu Yue smile brightly. He tiptoed and tightly hugged Zhen He’s neck. The person being hugged didn’t move, with an expression on his face that Ling Xiao couldn’t understand.

Ling Xiao was startled by Zhu Yue’s unpredictable behavior and began to feel some sympathy for Zhen He. Living with such a neurotic master would drive anyone insane sooner or later; no wonder he wanted to break the blood pact.

After the embrace, Zhu Yue let go of Zhen He and waved at Ling Xiao.

“Ying Feng, have you seen enough?”

Ling Xiao stiffened, realizing that Zhu Yue had known all along. What he had said wasn’t only meant for himself but also for Ying Feng.

“Is your mental strength still enough? Let me help you save some.”

Zhu Yue connected a video call with the ship where Ying Feng was, and Ying Feng’s image appeared on the screen.

Ling Xiao finally saw Ying Feng again. Through the screen, their deep gray eyes met, and even though it had only been two days, it felt like an eternity.

“Ying Feng!”

He exclaimed happily and then saw a small head squeezing onto the screen below. “Xiao Hui! Are you okay?”

Xiao Hui whined anxiously and pitifully in response, extending its right claw to fiddle with the screen, not understanding why Ling Xiao was behind a mirror.

Ying Feng leaned over and placed his hand on the screen, his thumb tracing the edge of Ling Xiao’s eye. He had lost the ability of his bond, but fortunately, the soul crystal that allowed sensory sharing still worked. Because of that, he felt all the pain that Ling Xiao endured, yet he was powerless to help.

Zhu Yue wasn’t pleased with their loving gaze and rudely stepped in between. “We meet again. Last time I sought you out, you said you were busy. Do you have time now?”

Ying Feng withdrew his hand. “I don’t recall doing anything that would warrant such calculated revenge from you.”

“Of course you don’t remember. Every word I’ve said to you is probably forgotten, right? But no worries. At least I can help you recall one incident.”

“Once in Bikong, I was attacked by a senior student. You drove him away, but I ended up stabbing you. Your blood spilled onto the ground and attracted the nearby blood. You were frantic, asking whose blood it was. That was the first time I saw you so unsettled. Do you remember?”

Listening in, Ling Xiao was taken aback. Blood attracting each other was a sign of past life partners recognizing one another. So, Ying Feng had once encountered this person in school, but why hadn’t he searched for him?

“I remember,” Ying Feng answered coldly. “You said you didn’t see.”

“What if I said I lied to you?”

Ying Feng narrowed his eyes.

“I knew whose blood it was and later found out why blood attracts. You were so desperate for the truth back then. Don’t you want to know who your lover from the past life was?”

The pain in Ling Xiao’s heart surpassed his physical pain. He knew of Ying Feng’s obsession. Even though he had buried the peach core, he surely wanted the truth.

He was prepared to hear an affirmative response but heard Ying Feng calmly reply:

“No.”

Ling Xiao looked up sharply, meeting Ying Feng’s gaze, unable to believe he would pass up this opportunity.

“Why not?” Zhu Yue tilted his head. “Ling Xiao will soon be no more, and you’ve regained your freedom. Don’t you want to take this chance and find your old love from a past life?”

“No,” Ying Feng said slowly. “No matter who was by my side in the past, in this life, my only Qizi is Ling Xiao.”

Zhu Yue hung his head low, letting out a few eerie laughs.

Ying Feng was displeased. “Why do you laugh?”

“What if I told you that the person you’ve been desperately searching for is Ling Xiao?”

Both of their expressions shifted.

“Impossible.” Ying Feng denied it first, as they had clearly tested it when they were at the base.

“I don’t know why you’re so certain, but I swear by what I’ve seen with my own eyes.”

Zhu Yan took a box from Zhen He and placed it on the table, rotating it 180 degrees towards Ying Feng. “To prove I’m not lying, I’ve carefully prepared this for you.”

He opened the box, and a cold mist billowed out. After the mist dissipated, two test tubes were revealed side by side.

“What’s this?” Ying Feng didn’t understand. Ling Xiao couldn’t see due to the obstruction and was eager to know what it was.

“I have been looking forward to this day for a year.” Zhu Yue slowly pulled out the test tubes. “Tai Yin once drew blood samples from everyone on Tianxiu to type-match with Yue Ying’s blood. This is what I specially asked Xing Lou to retain: the blood samples of you two in your fledgling state.”

He lifted the test tubes, and indeed, their names were labeled on them.

“One of the conditions to verify a past life relationship is that the Qizi must be in its fledgling state.”

Zhu Yan elegantly poured the blood from the two test tubes onto the smooth table, and the two blood puddles remained still.

Ying Feng’s face darkened. “There’s no change at all.”

“Why the hurry? It’s not time yet.” Zhu Yue raised his right hand in the air intoxicatingly, stimulating a gesture of holding hands. “Back then, he just grabbed the dagger with his bare hand like this. I watched his blood drip in front of me…”

Ling Xiao’s face turned pale. He remembered that incident when he was injured trying to save Zhu Yue, mistakenly thinking that Ying Feng was concerned about Zhu Yue.

“Your long-sought lover from the past life will soon be revealed. Are you excited?”

“Unfortunately, whether it’s a lover from a past life or your patterner in this life, you will end up with nothing.”

Zhu Yue walked a few steps away from the window. They were currently on the dark side of the Tianxiu planet, shielded from the rays of the burning sun.

“People often associate darkness with despair and dawn with hope.”

“Ying Feng, from now on, every time you see sunlight, I want you to feel endless despair.”

He closed his eyes, spread his arms, and as the spaceship moved out of the shadow of the Tianxiu planet, the light of the distant star passed over the planet’s curve and defiantly squeezed in from the gap under his arm, shining on the two dark red puddles on the table.

It seemed as if the sunlight gently blew a breath into the air, and one of the blood samples began to slowly flow towards the other. This bond from their previous lives resisted the purification pool’s cleansing and had remained for twenty years. Those unforgettable memories still lingered in their instincts. Upon seeing their past life lover, they wanted to get closer without any reservations.

The blood on the screen eventually merged intimately. Interwoven and inseparable.

Ying Feng’s face turned pale. He staggered, supporting himself on the console.

Zhu Yue covered his face, his shoulders shaking, a suppressed laugh coming from deep within his throat. Gradually, the laughter grew louder and more piercing. After waiting for so long, he could finally return all the frustration this person gave him. He laughed like a madman until the entire spaceship was enveloped by his distorted laughter, drowning out all other sounds.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 104

Ling Xiao finally realized that the Lan Sheng before him was no longer receptive to anyone’s words. He wondered what Yue Ying had told Lan Sheng to make him believe so stubbornly that Ling Xiao was deep in trouble and desperately needed saving. Faced with this brainwashed version of Lan Sheng, Ling Xiao felt profound disappointment.

“When you jumped off the rooftop, it was because you refused to accept being a Qizi.”

“Do you think I should do the same, to match the Ling Xiao you have in your mind?”

“Lan Sheng, do you remember? Before you left, you warned me to always be cautious. It was your words that helped me survive the chaotic period. During my darkest days, you were the sole reason I held on. I’ve always tried to move in the direction you pointed out. Why did you end up right where you started?”

In response to Ling Xiao’s questions, Lan Sheng remained unmoved. “I won’t listen to anything you say now. Once you regain your free will, we can discuss other matters.”

As he turned to leave, Ling Xiao wanted to chase after him but was stopped. In desperation, Ling Xiao shouted, “By being so obstinate, are you doing justice to Ping Zong, who reincarnated for you?”

Lan Sheng hesitated for a moment but quickly left without looking back.

Ling Xiao was left alone. He was uncertain about the structure of this prison, where one’s mental powers were completely dispersed and couldn’t be focused. Considering that the original owner of this starship was Tai Yin, no technology would come as a surprise.

A glint appeared in the depths of his consciousness, and Ling Xiao quickly focused. He had sensed Ying Feng trying to connect with him using a soul crystal earlier but had pretended not to notice due to the presence of others. He knew Ying Feng would try to connect again.

“Ling Xiao, can you hear me? Blink twice if you can.”

Ying Feng’s vision blinked out for two seconds, signaling Ling Xiao’s acknowledgement.

“Survey your surroundings, but don’t be obvious.”

Ling Xiao subtly looked around, letting Ying Feng get a clear view.

“No enemies in sight, but there might be surveillance. Don’t talk and keep your movements minimal.”

“Other than Lan Sheng, Yue Ying, and Xing Lou, did you see anyone else?” Ying Feng asked.

Ling Xiao discreetly wrote in his palm: No.

“Do you know your approximate location?”

I only know I’m likely on the Eagle. Nothing more.

“Do you know why they kidnapped you?”

After some hesitation, Ling Xiao wrote: Yue Ying, who holds a deep grudge against us. I’m the person most easily controlled by him. He may want to use me to complete his revenge. However, I’m just speculating. How could I possibly possess such power alone?

Ying Feng frowned. “Understood. Avoid confronting Yue Ying; he’s powerful. We can’t let him directly control you. I need to reserve my energy to trace you, so I’ll have to disconnect.”

Wait!

Ling Xiao quickly wrote.

Ying Feng paused. “What is it?”

Ling Xiao hesitated, then swiftly wrote:

I can clearly sense emotions coming from Yue Ying. His hatred for us is intensifying.

It’s overpowering, overshadowing all other emotions. I fear that, over time, my will might not withstand it, and I’ll be assimilated by him.

If I do get controlled and turn against our own, please…

Kill me.

Ying Feng paused for a long while. Finally, on his own palm and also on Ling Xiao’s palm, he wrote stroke by stroke:

Okay.

Ling Xiao placed his hand over his heart, feeling its beat, believing that Ying Feng must have received the message.

Ying Feng gritted his teeth, disconnected the link, and left the lounge.

“I have rested. Let’s continue.”

Just after his connection with Ying Feng was terminated, Zhen He entered.

Ling Xiao looked at the suddenly appearing person and was momentarily stunned. It took him a while to hesitantly call out, “…Zhen He?”

Zhen He sneered coldly without answering.

Yes, how could Ling Xiao forget? He and Tai Yin were originally on the same side. What surprised Ling Xiao even more was, “Your eyes…?”

Zhen He’s face darkened instantly. “Mind your own business.”

He pressed a button, and mechanisms appeared inside the cage. Ling Xiao tried to dodge, but mechanical arms from all directions restrained him, pinning him firmly to a bed before sliding him out.

“Where are you taking me?”

Ling Xiao struggled fiercely but couldn’t move. He was pushed by Zhen He into another room. Lan Sheng, Yue Ying, Xing Lou, and all the others he had met before were there.

“What the hell do you want to do?” Ling Xiao felt uneasy. He initially thought Yue Ying wanted to control him mentally, but now it seemed otherwise.

“I hope you’d be a bit quieter,” Yue Ying said. “Controlling you is easy for me, but I don’t want you to face the most important moment of your life without knowing.”

“What important moment? I don’t understand what you’re talking about!”

As Ling Xiao tried to buy time, he discreetly exerted force, but the restraints held him tight. If only he had a soul crystal now.

Yue Ying reached out, and Xing Lou handed him a bottle containing a soul. He released the soul, holding it in his palm.

“What is that?” Ling Xiao asked.

Ignoring the question, Yue Ying said, “No wonder he’s a scientific genius. Tai Yin studied for decades and finally found a way to break the blood pact. Unfortunately, he didn’t live to see this day.”

Ling Xiao was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

“To break the blood pact, one of the requirements is a newborn soul. Nowadays, a soul matures only once every hundred years. If Shang Yang had waited another nine months, perhaps he’d be the one successfully breaking the blood pact now.”

“You’re using a soul to break the blood pact?” Ling Xiao was in disbelief. “Even if it’s not fully formed, it’s still a life!”

Yue Ying laughed coldly, seemingly dismissing the idea of such a “life”. To him, it was merely a man-made product, no different from computers or tablets.

Ling Xiao angrily confronted the others, “Even if Yue Ying isn’t one of us, you are of the Tianxiu race. Do you just stand by and watch him kill our kin?”

“I am not like you. Don’t get it wrong,” Xing Lou said calmly. “I will always stand with the true Tianxiu people.”

Ling Xiao turned to Zhen He, who was intently staring at the soul in Yue Ying’s hand, his eyes filled with a hint of greed.

Lastly, he looked at Lan Sheng. “Lan Sheng, even you…?”

Lan Sheng turned his head away.

Ling Xiao continued to question Yue Ying, “I don’t understand, why do you want me to break the blood pact? What’s in it for you?”

“You’ll understand.” Yue Ying handed the soul to Xing Lou, who carefully held it and placed it into a peculiar container.

“Stop!” Ling Xiao shouted.

A piercing scream sounded. All the Tianxiu people present covered their ears, except for Ling Xiao, who was immobilized and could only turn his head away in pain, his face contorted in agony.

Yue Ying looked at them curiously. “What’s wrong with you?”

It took Xing Lou a long time to put his hand down, almost having his eardrums pierced by the scream, “Didn’t you hear?”

“Hear what?”

“A scream.”

Yue Ying shook his head, looking puzzled.

Ling Xiao finally recovered, breathing slightly due to holding his breath for too long.

“So, before a soul disappears, it screams,” Yue Ying said, as if discovering something new. “How interesting.”

Ling Xiao could only glare at him; this person didn’t equate a soul with life at all.

The soul in the container had disappeared, turning into a bright blue liquid. Xing Lou drew it into a syringe. The liquid filled less than two-thirds of the syringe, yet it caused a soul to completely vanish from this world.

“It’s ready.” As Xing Lou turned around, a figure flashed in front of him.

Zhen He had already assessed the strength of the people present. Xing Lou and Lan Sheng weren’t his match. As long as he didn’t look into Yue Ying’s eyes, he wouldn’t be controlled. This was what Zhu Yue taught him.

Xing Lou seemed to anticipate someone trying to snatch it and quickly jumped back, but Zhen He managed to kick his wrist. The syringe containing the soul liquid was thrown into the air, and Zhen He teleported to catch it.

The situation changed dramatically. Neither Ling Xiao nor Lan Sheng expected Zhen He to act so suddenly. One was surprised, and the other wanted to snatch it back, but they couldn’t match his speed. They could only watch as Zhen He turned his wrist in mid-air and was about to inject himself as he landed.

However, in a split second, his movement halted, his right hand trembling from exertion.

Ling Xiao was all too familiar with this scene. When a Qizhu uses mind control, a Qizi reacts this way.

Xing Lou and Yue Ying, however, seemed unsurprised, as if they had anticipated all of this.

Struggling, Zhen He looked up to see Zhu Yue slowly descending the stairs.

“You said… you didn’t want… to show up here…” He had held on for so long, thinking Zhu Yue had let down his guard. He had believed Zhu Yue’s claim of not wanting to see Yue Ying.

“If I hadn’t said that, how would I know if you intended to betray me?” Zhu Yue approached, effortlessly taking the syringe from his hand. “You’ve waited for this moment for a long time, haven’t you? I just wanted to test if, after all this time, you still wanted to end our bond.”

Zhu Yue’s eyes genuinely showed disappointment. “You really let me down.”

Releasing Zhen He from his control, Zhen He stared at him with resentment but was powerless against him.

Xing Lou, who once promised to be on his side, had even helped Zhu Yue test him. It seemed that no one could be trusted in this world except oneself.

Xing Lou sensed Zhen He’s anger but deliberately avoided his gaze. Zhen He was no longer of value to him, but he still needed Zhu Yue for something crucial.

Zhu Yue turned around, and Ling Xiao, who had found him familiar from the beginning, now stared in shock.

“Zhu Yue?”

“Surprising, isn’t it?” Zhu Yue’s demeanor had completely changed, icy cold. “I never thought we’d meet under these circumstances.”

“You’re Zhen He’s Qizhu?” Ling Xiao looked back and forth between them, unable to believe they were together.

“It’s all thanks to you. If you hadn’t formed a pact with Ying Feng, how could I become someone else’s Qizhu?”

The other person he spoke of looked like he wanted to kill him with just a glance.

“Are you done?” Yue Ying interrupted their conversation. “Who would have thought so many people would fight over this little thing. Does anyone else need it?”

He asked Lan Sheng, “What about you? You probably need it the most here. With one injection, you won’t have to suffer anymore. You can find someone to form a new pact and become a Qizhu. Isn’t that good?”

Lan Sheng had been nervous when he saw Zhen He take the syringe, but now he calmly refused.

“I don’t need it. I promised Ping Zong to stay alive. These eyes are our last connection, and I don’t want to lose them. But you promised to free Ling Xiao. Don’t go back on your word.”

“Of course.” Yue Ying surveyed the room. “So, no one else has any objections?”

“I do!” Ling Xiao shouted.

Yue Ying laughed. “There’s a saying in our country: those who desire something never get it, and those who don’t often do. Isn’t that right?” He looked at Ling Xiao and Zhen He.

The current state of Ying Feng was a bit concerning. Due to the prolonged consumption of his mental power, large beads of sweat were sliding down his cheeks, dripping onto the control panel. Under his palms, the radar’s circle of light was gradually shrinking.

“We’re almost locked onto the target—only 20% left!” someone reported.

The fleet was moving at full speed towards the area Ying Feng had marked, but 20% was still a vast region. To find Ling Xiao, the area needed to be narrowed down even further.

Yue Ying gestures towards Zhu Yue. “Get on with it.”

Zhu Yue walked step by step towards the immobilized Ling Xiao, with the blue light slowly flowing in the syringe he held.

Ling Xiao was struggling with all his might, Lan Sheng was anxiously watching, and Zhen He, under the double control of Yue Ying and Zhu Yue, couldn’t move at all.

“I’m so glad that I get to end this for you.” Zhu Yue held up the syringe, pushing out a bit of the liquid. “You know, I’ve prepared a special gift for Ying Feng. I believe he will love it.”

“We’re very close!” A voice came from the Burning Shadow, invigorating everyone.

Ying Feng closed his eyes, concentrating all his mental energy in his palms. His mental power was being rapidly drained, but he couldn’t stop now. His Qizi was still waiting for him.

Ling Xiao!

Ling Xiao shivered; he heard Ying Feng’s voice, not through shared senses but through a soulful connection. Ying Feng was nearby!

I can hear you! He wished he could tell Ying Feng this, but he couldn’t make a sound.

Ying Feng’s voice continuously reached him.

Ling Xiao, hang in there. I’ll find you very soon.

Ling Xiao closed his eyes. I believe you. No matter where I am, you can always find me.

The pain of the needle piercing his skin reached him. It turned out the temperature of the soul was also cold.

“Say goodbye to your Qizhu.” Along with Zhu Yue’s voice, it felt like something was moving away from him.

Suddenly, the signal on the radar disappeared. Everyone looks at Ying Feng. They were so close to success. Could it be that his mental power is already exhausted?

Ying Feng opens his eyes, equally puzzled. Something had gone missing from his life—something that was within reach just a second ago.

The pilot closest to him cries out in surprise:

“Ah, your eyes…”

Confused, Ying Feng turned around, and now everyone in the room saw it: the blackness in his eyes was slowly receding, like clear water dissolving thick ink, as night welcomed dawn. When the change finally stopped, all that remained were the ash-gray eyes characteristic of a fledgling.

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