Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 133

Hearing his name called by the other, Ling Xiao pointed to himself in surprise. “You know me?”

“Don’t you remember me?” The man approached, laughing and clapping Ling Xiao on the back. “I’m Huo Luo.”

“Huo Luo?” Ling Xiao still felt the name was unfamiliar.

Thankfully, Ying Feng clarified for him, “He’s Luoluo.”

“Luoluo?!” Ling Xiao’s voice rose an octave. “You’re Luoluo?”

He looked Huo Luo up and down in disbelief. “How did you grow so much?”

Huo Luo, already taller than Ling Xiao, crossed his arms. “You think you’ve only been gone a few days? I’ve grown up a long time ago. Now I’m the Wolf King of the entire tribe!”

His eyes sparkled with the distinctive gleam of the people from Wolf Star, and his kingly demeanor confirmed his words. Ling Xiao felt happy for him but also regretted not witnessing everyone’s growth over the years.

“You’re the Wolf King. What about Ying Feng?”

“Ying Feng retired many years ago. His successor stepped down two years later and went traveling with his love. Apparently, it was you who forcefully paired them up. Remember?”

Ling Xiao certainly remembered; he had a deep impression of the black and white wolf pair. “They really got together? And what about Shachi Bo?”

“He’s so old, he’s reverted to his beast form and will return to Mother Earth any day now. I rushed over as soon as I got Ying Feng’s message that you were back. He also asked Thunder Wolf to send his regards.”

“Thunder Wolf?”

Huo Luo stepped aside, and the mech wolf he had been piloting lifted its right rear leg and scratched behind its ear as if to greet them.

“Thunder Wolf now belongs to me. I combined it with my previous main mech. Doesn’t it look more imposing now combined?”

Indeed, Ling Xiao had to admit he wasn’t sure he could take it down with a single strike anymore.

Huo Luo continued proudly, “I’ve heard about the situation in Tianxiu, so I brought my subordinates to see if we can help. Our tribe is no longer the small thousand-person tribe you saw back then. We’re now a powerful nation with millions of members, part of the joint government, and have a say in the affairs of Wolf Star, thanks in no small part to Ying Feng’s efforts.”

Ling Xiao looked back at Ying Feng; pride evident in his eyes.

“We do need your help right now.” Ying Feng briefly recapped the situation.

“No problem.” Huo Luo slapped his chest. “The last 800 EAU distance for Ying Feng, leave it to me.”

“But the relationship between Wolf Star and Tianxiu…” Ling Xiao was a bit confused.

“Tianxiu revoked Wolf Star’s subjugated star status a few years ago. In fact, they’ve been maintaining mutually beneficial cooperation for even longer. Wolf Star is now our ally.”

“That’s right.” Huo Luo confirmed Ying Feng’s words. “If you go to Wolf Star now, no one will throw chicken legs at you anymore.”

“That’s something only you would do.”

Ling Xiao, feeling relieved, suddenly remembered there was a Wolf Star person in his own family. “Right, let me introduce someone to you.”

He gestured to Xiao Hui. “Come here!”

The humanoid Xiaohui ran over, and Ling Xiao proudly gestured. “This is my Xiao Hui.”

“Hey, just call me Huo Luo.” Huo Luo greeted Xiao Hui, ready to perform a Wolf Star greeting ritual, but Xiao Hui just stood there, clueless about his intentions. Ling Xiao, seeing Xiao Hui’s nonresponse, suddenly realized, “Oh no! Can Xiaohui understand the Wolf Star language?”

A cold wind blew, complementing Xiao Hui’s confused expression and making everyone realize Ling Xiao’s concern.

“Quick, give him a chip!” Ling Xiao exclaimed.

“You idiot.” Red Head smacked him on the back of his head. “Can Wolf Star people even implant chips?”

Rubbing his head, Ling Xiao was frustrated. “Then what do we do? Starting from scratch to learn a language is hard.”

Having learned ancient Tianxiu language himself, he could help but complain to Ying Feng. “How could you raise a child without teaching them their mother tongue?”

“I didn’t know he was human even later than you did,” Ying Feng replied coolly, leaving Ling Xiao to laugh awkwardly.

“No problem, we have another innate universal language.” Huo Luo transformed into a majestic male wolf, his brown-black fur gleaming. He howled, and Xiao Hui, understanding, also transformed into a wolf and happily howled back.

“Now that the final escort problem is resolved, shall we start planning?” Yu Quan inquired.

“I’m ready.” Ying Feng nodded.

After a few seconds of thought, Fu Yao agreed. “There’s no time to waste. Since it’s decided, let’s proceed quickly.”

While Ying Feng left with Yu Quan, Red Head pulled Ling Xiao aside.

“What are you dragging me over here for?” Ling Xiao was suspicious of Red Head’s secretive behavior.

“What do you think? You didn’t tell me about the stone earlier,” Red Head complained. “Even if we rush to the museum now, we probably won’t make it.”

Ling Xiao watched him pick and examine each stone on the ground. If dissatisfied, he’d throw it away and continue. This behavior looked very familiar to him.

“Are you carving a remembrance stone?”

“Yeah.” Red Head held one in each hand, asking him, “Which one’s better?”

“The left one.”

“Come here.” Red Head threw the one in his right hand away and sat down with Ling Xiao, pulling out a dagger. “How do you write those few characters?”

Ling Xiao, having carved many times, knew it by heart and wrote it on the ground. Red Head clumsily tried to mimic his strokes on the stone.

“Ah, that’s wrong. That stroke doesn’t bend like that.” Ling Xiao, unable to watch, tried to take over and correct it.

“Go away.” Red Head quickly leaned to protect his work. “I want to carve it for my little angel myself. Don’t mess it up.”

“You’re writing it wrong!”

“That’s my style!” The two bickered until Red Head finished his crooked carving.

“How’s this?” He proudly showed his masterpiece to Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao smirked. “Probably only Bing Can won’t mind.”

“He’s going to love it.” Red Head looked down, fondly rubbing the stone. “I really hope he gets it.”

Ling Xiao, ready to tease Red Head, suddenly couldn’t utter a word. After a brief emotional moment, Red Head was back to his usual self.

“Here, keep this for me,” he said, handing Ling Xiao the remembrance stone.

“Why give it to me?” Ling Xiao didn’t understand.

“In case I don’t come back, remember to send it out for me.”

Ling Xiao struggled to find words, finally blurting out, “Are you stupid?”

“Heh heh.” Red Head warmly draped his arm around Ling Xiao’s neck. “They must be done by now. Let’s go.”

Ling Xiao, with the heavy memory stone in his waistband, joined Yu Ji and the others to reach the departure point. Ying Feng, Fu Yao, Nie Yun, and everyone from the military department, who showed no visible change, were waiting there. The Wolf Star people returned to their vehicles, circling above the base.

Nie Yun handed three orange syringes to Ling Xiao, Red Head, and Shuang Feng, but not to the others. “This is Ember II. Ling Xiao, you must be familiar with it,” Fu Yao teased.

Ling Xiao, a bit embarrassed to receive it, couldn’t forget it; in some ways, it was also the “culprit” that brought him and Ying Feng together.

Fu Yao continued, “The side effects of Ember II can be 70% neutralized by the saliva of a Qizhu, but it should still be used cautiously. As for the Qizhus, the medical conditions you’ll encounter aren’t sufficient to counteract its effects, so we haven’t prepared it for you.”

The three solemnly pocketed the syringes. Nie Yun added, “We’ve contacted Tai Ruo for support at Huoxiu. Once Ying Feng interfaces with their mainframe, we can briefly control it. We’ve timed it; once this process is completed, Ying Feng will be at his physical limit.”

“Understood,” Ling Xiao said determinedly. “I’ll seize the moment and bring Ying Feng back safely.”

Fu Yao nodded, his gaze sweeping over each of the six faces one last time. “Ying Feng, Ling Xiao…”

“Here!”

“…Bing Can, Qian Si, Yu Ji, Shuang Feng…”

Each name was followed by a strong response.

“Are you ready?”

The six stood in a row, answering in unison, “Ready!”

Fu Yao took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, “I wish you success.”

“With our souls as witness!”

Fu Yao stepped back, standing shoulder to shoulder with Nie Yun.

“Salute!”

Everyone saluted in unison. After returning the salute, Ling Xiao and the others boarded the spacecraft to Huoxiu. As the spacecraft slowly ascended, the soldiers below maintained their salute, watching the heroes depart. As the spacecraft rose higher, the figures on the ground shrank. The Wolf Star troops tactfully followed, surrounding them at a distance.

Ling Xiao and Ying Feng finally had a moment alone.

“What’s it like to be a human bomb?”

Ying Feng answered by holding Ling Xiao’s hand, letting him feel his warmth.

“You’re warmer than before.” Ling Xiao couldn’t help rubbing his hands, showing his true emotions for the first time since departure.

“Other species call this phenomenon a fever, a bodily mechanism to fight viruses,” Ying Feng explained, his scholarly habits intact.

“Thank you for not stopping me.” Ling Xiao didn’t want to dampen Ying Feng’s spirits and quickly gathered his sadness, speaking lightheartedly.

“You didn’t stop me either,” Ying Feng replied.

“Because I’m a Qizi you trust with your back,” Ling Xiao confidently said.

He stopped joking, gazing intently at the person in front of him. “I won’t let you dissipate in the cosmos.”

Ying Feng, seeing his reflection in those light gray yet bright eyes, replied, “I believe you.”

“They’ve already departed,” reported “Zhen He” expressionlessly on another warship to Zhu Yue.

“Who’s following them?”

“Only the people from Wolf Star.”

Zhu Yue sneered. “Have they fallen so low as to seek help from other races?”

“Enough.” He waved dismissively. “Go meet them… No, wait in ambush midway, just in case. But I doubt they’ll make it there.”

“Yes.” “Zhen He” left to carry out the orders, while Ying Feng, as expected, encountered the guests they had been waiting for.

Zhu Yue, leading the remaining forces of Huoxiu, intercepted Ying Feng and his team en route.

“I thought we wouldn’t meet again,” said Zhu Yue, connecting to the video communication of Ying Feng’s ship. After scanning the cabin and not finding the person he was looking for, he asked, “But where did Ling Xiao go?”

“To complete our plan, I alone am enough,” Ying Feng replied casually.

“I didn’t expect you’d actually go to your death willingly. But you probably didn’t expect that not all our people were dispatched,” Zhu Yue gloated. “Sadly for you, your plan has been leaked. You’ll probably never reach Huoxiu, and our plan has already commenced.”

He spread his arms, self-indulgent. “Soon, in this universe, you’ll no longer be alone.”

Ying Feng remained composed. “It’s because I anticipated you might still have some power left that I intentionally leaked our plan. Of course, I won’t reach Huoxiu because my destination is here.”

Zhu Yue, not getting the reaction he expected, found it dull. His smile faded, allowing him to better observe Ying Feng.

“You’re not wearing sunglasses anymore, but gloves? Your taste in clothing sure has changed.”

“Yes.” Ying Feng slowly curled one corner of his mouth. “Who says it hasn’t?”

Zhu Yue’s smile disappeared completely at this unfamiliar expression. “You’re not Ying Feng! Who are you?” He demanded, suddenly tense.

“Someone who’s eager to teach you a lesson with this hand.” Fei Jing casually removed his glove, revealing a sleek black mechanical hand, and clenched it menacingly.

Zhu Yue looked around alertly as warships bearing the Tianxiu military emblem started to decloak, surrounding the Huoxiu forces from all directions, outnumbering them several times over, trapping them like a net. Escape seemed impossible.

On the communication screen, Fei Jing disdainfully shifted aside. “Catching you was a task I could’ve handled alone, but an old friend insisted on seeing you, so I brought him along.”

Zhu Yue’s eyes widened as he saw the person descending the lift, blurting out in disbelief, “Principal?”

Ta Yun joined Fei Jing, his gaze regretfully meeting Zhu Yue’s. “I never expected we’d meet again under these circumstances. Your actions after leaving Bikong have deeply disappointed me. I need to reflect on my failure in education.”

“For a student as unruly as you,” Fei Jing smirked mischievously. “I’ll have to educate you on behalf of your principal.”

Zhu Yue angrily slammed the table. “Where’s the real Ying Feng?”

Fei Jing pointed upward with his metallic finger. “Look up.”

Zhu Yue looked up immediately, seeing dozens of Wolf Star mechs escorting a ship identical to Fei Jing’s speeding overhead towards Huoxiu, quickly becoming distant.

Fei Jing pressed the communication button. “The obstacle here is cleared. The rest is up to you.”

“Much appreciated,” came Ying Feng’s voice.

“Godspeed.”

Zhu Yue, realizing escape was futile, suddenly burst into hysterical laughter, his voice eerily distorted.

“What are you laughing at?” Fei Jing asked displeased.

“Do you think they’ll reach Huoxiu unobstructed after this?” Zhu Yue stopped laughing, grinding his teeth. “You’re naive. Tianxiu has made enemies all over the galaxy. Who knows how many are waiting for them ahead? Thinking you can safely deliver Ying Feng to Huoxiu is a fantasy!”

“Then let’s let you witness our dream coming true.” Fei Jing gazed in the direction Ying Feng had departed. “Looking so much like me, you better not embarrass me.”

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 132

Every person witnessed this iconic moment through the screen, and amidst countless blessings, only one person harbored resentment.

Light flickered on Zhu Yue’s face, casting his sullen eyes in an even more sinister light.

“Why is it that those I painstakingly tried to separate end up together, while what I desperately sought to keep leaves me alone?”

In the camera’s view, the two were tightly embracing, their companions joyfully making a fuss around them. This was a stark contrast to the despair and pain Zhu Yue had envisioned for Tianxiu’s doomsday. He had carefully manipulated the descendants of the ancient Tianxiu people, but this wasn’t the outcome he desired.

Amid the cheers and encouragement, Zhu Yue’s hand slowly moved towards a button to establish communication. He hadn’t wanted to make this decision, but now he had changed his mind.

“If that’s the case… it’s time for these usurpers to feel the wrath of the original masters of this land.”

The jubilant post-war interview was interrupted by an urgent encrypted communication request, and Fu Yao and the others returned to the temporary command center set up at the base. They saw an alien with red eyes on the communication screen.

“He claims to be from Huoxiu.” The communicator distributed Huoxiu language chips to everyone present. “And he has urgent matters to discuss with our Marshal.”

Huoxiu? It was Tianxiu’s biggest enemy at the moment. With skepticism, everyone implanted the chips, curious to hear what this likely descendant of the ancient Tianxiu people had to say. “Are you the current highest leader of Tianxiu?” The Huoxiu man looked doubtfully at Fu Yao, who was noticeably shorter than the others.

Fu Yao, unaware of the other party’s origins, replied curtly, “You contacted us. What do you want to say?”

The person on the other end immediately straightened up nervously. “Just now, I overheard my brother communicating with someone. They are planning to develop new higher-intelligence life forms on the existing Lone Stars.”

The people, who had only recently learned about the origins of the Tianxiu people, immediately became alert.

“Your brother?” Fu Yao asked with a frown.

“His name is Tai Er, and I’m Tai Ruo. Our ancestors come from Tianxiu, and the codes for the Lone Star have always been safeguarded by our family.”

Tai Ruo swallowed hard, continuing, “We were ignorant of our family’s history until my brother rescued an ancient Tianxiu person claiming to be our kin from space, who then deceived him into using the codes left by our ancestors.”

“Our ancestors left a mandate: under no circumstances should Lone Stars be created on our own initiative. My brother’s plan faced opposition domestically, but he persisted, and now he wants to escalate his research into intelligent life. This was a lesson our ancestors repeatedly emphasized, which I didn’t understand until I heard from Zhu Yue about the rise and fall of the ancient Tianxiu people. Only then did I realize the significance of our ancestors’ actions.”

“Now that you know the truth, you understand that we were responsible for the demise of the ancient Tianxiu people. Why contact the very people responsible for your species’ extinction?” Fu Yao asked.

“Because that’s all history now! History has happened and can’t be changed.” Tai Ruo leaned anxiously on the console. “But we can’t let the mistakes of history repeat themselves! I heard their conversation. Zhu Yue said our genes have changed significantly and implanting them into the Lone Stars poses even greater risks. He’s now urging my brother to participate in the experiment personally, as his genes are closest to the ancient Tianxiu. But I don’t trust that guy at all. I’m very worried about my brother’s safety! Please, you must stop him. Only you can do it!”

His earnest expression was utterly sincere, showing no sign of deception, and the Tianxiu people, initially half-doubtful, gradually began to believe him.

“We have received your message, and we will discuss how to proceed. That’s all for now.” Fu Yao ended the communication, and the screen went black.

Nie Yun immediately said, “I think he’s telling the truth. That kind of nervousness and concern doesn’t seem feigned.”

“We always thought that by patiently waiting, we could reclaim their souls, but that seems too naive now. The enemy will never give us time to wait; we must take the initiative. But,” Fu Yao pondered, “even if what he says is true, how can we stop it? We can’t even reach the range of Huoxiu…”

“Not everyone is out of reach.” Yu Quan stood up. “Although lacking soul traction is a trait of the Lone Stars, among our remaining people, everyone has a unique constitution. Huoxiu is 800 EAU beyond our set limit, but perhaps this distance can be overcome by someone among us with a special constitution.”

“But what good is it to find such a one-in-a-million person? What can one person do?”

“They can bring our ‘Trojan Horse’ there.”

“Trojan Horse?” No one present had heard of this term.

“I know this term is unfamiliar to everyone. It’s a powerful virus program discovered on another planet, sometimes used to refer to all viruses,” Yu Quan explained, entering several keys on the main console. “Our bodies are immune to biological viruses, but the base’s computer can be invaded by viruses in another sense. To prevent this, the base is constantly protected, and we’ve mastered many Trojan Horse technologies.”

He demonstrated a simulation program on the computer. “This is the most powerful Trojan Horse program we’ve discovered to date. It can give the virus planter control over the entire system of the base. With our capabilities, we can intercept this virus, but Huoxiu, just having acquired the Lone Stars, certainly can’t have such advanced firewall technology.”

“With such a program, we just need to remotely implant it into the enemy’s mainframe,” Nie Yun said excitedly. “What does this have to do with the person you mentioned?”

“The difficulty lies here. Due to its nature, this program can’t be stored in any medium or transmitted over the network.” Yu Quan showed an old news article. “The developer of this virus is Chang Jiang. You might not recognize the name, but as the founder of Tianyuan Network, he is well-known. Chang Jiang once used this virus to paralyze the Genetic Center’s computer system for nearly a day. Unfortunately, he was reborn soon after his arrest, and his motives remain unknown. This remained a highly confidential matter until long after his rebirth.”

“Xing Lou…” Ling Xiao looked at the photo on the screen, and a feeling of déjà vu flashed across his face.

Only Ying Feng, who was closest to him, heard it. “What did you say?”

“He’s Xing Lou,” Ling Xiao confirmed again. “I’m certain it’s him. If he did this, it must be related to Yue Ying.”

“That makes sense,” Heng He interjected. “After I took over the Genetic Center, I also reviewed the records from that period. I found that during that time, Yue Ying’s computer mainframe suffered a severe malfunction and had to enlist the help of a civilian computer expert to resolve it. That expert was Chang Jiang.”

Yu Quan nodded. “That malfunction allowed Chang Jiang frequent access to the Genetic Center. Despite this, the center was very cautious with him, not allowing him to bring anything in or out. No one expected he would use his own body to carry the virus.”

“His body?” Everyone was shocked. “Yes, that’s the uniqueness of this virus; it can only use a human body as a carrier for transfer. Thus, it also gained the nickname ‘Human Bomb’ in the research process. Those implanted with this code don’t live long, which is exactly what led to Chang Jiang’s death. Although it’s been a long time, Chang Jiang’s expertise in computers remains unrivaled, and no other Trojan Horse program has surpassed it to this day.”

After he finished speaking, the scene maintained a silence as deep as a pool until Fu Yao threw a stone into it.

“I think everyone understands now. Whether this plan succeeds or fails, its executor is destined to sacrifice, dying in a place like Huoxiu with no chance for their soul to return,” Yu Quan said with downcast eyes. “That’s why I didn’t mention it earlier. The chance of success is hard to predict, but the probability of death is a hundred percent. Even if we find someone suitable, it’s understandable if they refuse to go.”

The silence continued for a few more seconds, then Fu Yao said, “But let’s try it anyway. Maybe it’s me.” Nie Yun immediately said, “Maybe it’s me.”

“Maybe it’s me too!” Ling Xiao didn’t want to be left behind.

“You just got back. Stay put,” Red Head scolded him, then quickly added, “Maybe it’s me.”

Fu Yao made a stop gesture. “Let’s not fight over this. Start by selecting from the remaining people in the military.”

Yu Quan activated the program, and the profiles of the surviving soldiers were displayed, with hundreds of data points flickering rapidly on the screen, dazzling the onlookers. Everyone held their breath, trying to spot their own names amid the dense data, but no suitable candidate was found by the end of the search.

Fu Yao frowned. “Broaden the criteria. Continue searching in all departments related to the military—logistics, medical, base, genetic center.” Yu Quan did so, but hope was dashed again. Even he sighed. “This was a possibility. After all, people with special physiques are extremely rare, and we just lost a group of elites.” Seeing Fu Yao’s silent, pursed lips, he asked without much hope, “Should we search among the civilians?”

Fu Yao, almost ready to give up, replied, “Let’s try.”

With a much larger civilian population, several computers worked simultaneously, processing high-speed data. As time ticked by, one computer suddenly beeped.

“What does this mean?” Fuyao asked immediately.

Yu Quan, somewhat incredulous, replied, “We have a match.”

He quickly switched to the profile, and everyone, upon seeing the photo, simultaneously turned to look at a particular person in the room, realizing they had overlooked this extraordinary individual among the civilians.

Ling Xiao realized, “The Lone Star has no soul traction. Its reincarnation is less affected by the soul traction than ordinary people. How did I not think of this?”

The chosen Ying Feng calmly said, “I’ll go.”

“Ling Xiao just got back!” Red Head raised his voice.

“Unless you can find someone more suitable than me among the remaining civilians.”

Red Head fell silent.

“I’ll go too!” Ling Xiao’s voice drew everyone’s attention to him.

“What are you going for?” Fu Yao asked.

Ling Xiao confidently declared, “If there’s one person who can bring Ying Feng back, it’s me.”

Fu Yao exchanged a complicated look with Nie Yun, undecided.

“If that’s the case, I’ll go too.”

The third person to volunteer was Bing Can.

“The journey from here to Huoxiu is long. Although I can’t make it that far, I can at least escort them part of the way.”

“How could I not join when my Qizhu is involved,” Red Head said nonchalantly, raising his hand. “Count me in too.”

“I’ve always regretted not having the chance to fight alongside Ling Xiao and Ying Feng,” Yu Ji said with a smile. “So please let me join.”

“It’s ‘us’,” Shuang Feng corrected him.

The former partners from the Joint Operations Department stood together again, volunteering for a common cause. Fu Yao looked over their faces one by one. They were all excellent students he had personally trained, and he knew no one was more suited for this mission than them.

“Even if you can escort Ying Feng to Huangxiu, the critical part is the next 800 EAU. Just because Ying Feng can break through this limit doesn’t mean his abilities won’t be limited. He will weaken as the distance increases. Have you thought about how to solve this?”

Ying Feng, who had been silent since initially speaking up, suddenly said, “Reinforcements are coming.”

Everyone looked and indeed saw several black dots approaching on the surveillance screen. Their speed was so fast, they almost arrived simultaneously as they stepped out of the hall. Leading them was a large and formidable mech wolf, which landed beautifully with a roll from mid-air, then howled skyward.

The chest hatch of the mech wolf opened, and a tall, burly man jumped down, striding towards Ling Xiao and the others with a commanding presence. He wore clothes made of beast fur, completely out of place with the style of the Tianxiu people, and his exposed, muscular body was covered with tattoos. People dressed similarly, apparently his subordinates, followed him, and soon the ground was filled with various mechs and flying vehicles.

Ling Xiao didn’t recognize the newcomer, but the man, upon seeing Ling Xiao, greeted him with an excited lift of his chin.

“Yo! Ling Xiao!”

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 131

When Ling Xiao appeared at the base, Red Head’s expression immediately became very strange. He tried hard to hold back, but eventually couldn’t resist turning his face away. Even so, he was still uncomfortable and finally buried his head in Bing Can’s back, so Ling Xiao couldn’t see his face. Bing Can, who was initially fine, was also infected by Red Head’s actions and couldn’t help but smirk.

Ling Xiao finally couldn’t stand it anymore. “If you want to laugh, just laugh! Don’t make yourself sick holding it in!”

“Pfft. Hahahaha—” Red Head burst into a series of hearty laughter almost immediately. Laughing so heartily on the second day of the nation’s crisis seemed quite inappropriate, but he just couldn’t control himself.

His laughter was infectious, and the expressions of others present varied. Nie Yun, being of a milder temperament, was more restrained, while Fu Yao and Fei Jing seemed almost to be reveling in schadenfreude. Ling Xiao knew it would turn out like this and kept telling himself that, as someone who had seen thousands of years, he shouldn’t stoop to their level. But seeing Red Head laugh until tears came out, Ling Xiao still felt the urge to strangle him.

Red Head, unable to contain his laughter, collapsed on Bing Can’s shoulder. A history that was oppressive and heavy, but anything involving Ling Xiao somehow had the effect of turning tragedy into comedy.

“Speaking of which,” Red Head finally stopped laughing, “so the founding Marshal was Ying Feng’s first life. We even went to the museum to admire you during our time in Lion Academy.”

“Don’t just casually use the word ‘admire’, okay?” Ling Xiao scorned him.

“The news has spread faster than I thought. By now, everyone must know about this.” Nie Yun was still worried. “I wonder how the public is reacting.”

Fu Yao’s subordinate quickly brought the first-hand report.

“Report to the Marshal and Deputy; there’s good news and… uh, ordinary news.”

“Start with the important one.”

“Many people have voluntarily signed up to join the military, wanting to serve the country.”

“That’s good news,” Fu Yao agreed. “And the ordinary news?”

“The portion of the populace not signing up for the military is now… rushing to shop.”

“Shopping?” Fuyao was baffled, then realized, “Because of the war, are they stockpiling supplies?”

“No.” The subordinate wiped the sweat from his forehead. “After the news was released, a large number of people flooded into the history museum to buy ‘remembrance stones’, and the number is continuously increasing. The museum entrance is now jam-packed, and the curator… is asking for your advice on whether to dispatch troops to maintain order.”

Everyone: “……”

“We’re busy reconstructing the base. There’s no manpower to spare, so let him deal with it himself.” Fu Yao bluntly refused the request, and the subordinate quickly left to relay his words.

“Yesterday was a day of national crisis; is today Valentine’s Day or something?” Red Head regretted not going earlier to grab a piece himself. “Unknowingly, Ling Xiao, you’ve started an industry.”

Ling Xiao felt wronged. “But I haven’t made a single penny from it.”

“At least you’ve boosted consumer spending,” Fu Yao said, sounding more sarcastic than complimentary.

As the group walked toward the great hall, Red Head asked, “Ling Xiao, now that you’re back, are you going to continue jumping to future time points?”

“I don’t know. At least I don’t feel like disappearing now,” Ling Xiao answered honestly. “But my wish has been fulfilled, and I have no more concerns. It would be nice to see what the future looks like.”

Ying Feng glanced at him but said nothing.

“Hey.” Ling Xiao poked Ying Feng quietly when no one else was paying attention. “What if I time-travel again?”

“Then I’ll carve stones for you,” Ying Feng replied without hesitation. “I’ll carve one every year, and you can dig them out and sell them in every era you visit. Eventually, you’ll also have a lot of money.”

“I like that idea.” Ling Xiao chuckled. “You better not forget.”

Reporters covering the post-war situation immediately approached them for a statement from the newly appointed Marshal. Fu Yao looked directly into the camera with an intense gaze. “The day that just passed was the darkest day in Tianxiu’s history. The audio-visual records distributed to everyone must have overturned everyone’s understanding.”

“But we are the Tianxiu people, the masters of this land for four thousand years. We possess thoughts, wisdom, and emotions no different from ordinary people. Once we have all these, we are no longer machines controlled by others.”

“Loyalty, bravery, fearlessness of sacrifice—these qualities we were endowed with have become an ingrained part of our genes, accompanying our growth for thousands of years, and will never fade.”

Behind him, people were busily repairing the most important building for the Tianxiu people. On their faces, there was no sign of the despair of a destroyed homeland, only a spirited determination for the future.

“I believe our compatriots will not be defeated by any difficulty. As long as our souls are still shining, our spirit will never be extinguished.”

Fu Yao lifted his head. Though his stature was small, his image was towering.

“Regardless of who created us, we will be the masters of our own fate. No matter who wants to destroy us, we have the courage to fight to the end, never retreating.”

The cameramen were so moved they almost wanted to drop their equipment to applaud him. The reporter then asked a few more questions of public interest before turning the microphone to Ling Xiao.

“As the only person who has witnessed four thousand years of Tianxiu’s history, do you have anything to say?”

“Um…” Ling Xiao, usually quick-witted, was at a loss for words in front of the camera. “My true thoughts have already been expressed in the previously uploaded footage. I’m glad that through my experiences, I could restore the truth of history…”

He inadvertently glanced at Ying Feng beside him and suddenly had a thought. “I also hope that in the future, our fledglings can be properly educated about the significance of the coming-of-age ceremony. When we are reborn and become fledglings again, we can live without lies. I look forward to that day.”

“So what about you?” After learning that Ying Feng was the reincarnation of the founding Marshal, the reporter even used a respectful tone. “Do you have anything to say to your Qizi in this life?”

Knowing that Ying Feng wasn’t good with words, Red Head and the others were waiting to see him stumble. Ling Xiao, feeling sympathetic, stepped in for him. “Aren’t you here for post-war coverage? Asking such personal questions isn’t very appropriate.”

“It’s precisely because the atmosphere is so oppressive that we need to find some positive topics to give people confidence,” the reporter replied confidently.

To everyone’s surprise, Ying Feng, described as “not good with words”, silently took out a small box from his left breast pocket. The cameraman, with keen eyes, immediately gave a 360-degree close-up of the object in his hand.

Ling Xiao suddenly felt nervous and whispered to Ying Feng in a voice others couldn’t hear, “Hey, we’re alive.”

Ying Feng casually acknowledged his reminder but still lifted the silver metal box to his eyes and slid his thumb across it, opening the lid.

The people around gasped in surprise, and even the reporter was too excited to know how to continue. The only person who could still speak and burst into laughter was Red Head.

“Ying Feng, the ring you chose is so outdated! That’s a style from decades ago. I can’t believe you still found it!”

“Because I bought it the day before you disappeared.” Ying Feng gently took out the ring, deemed outdated by Red Head. “That day was our first anniversary of forming our bond. I originally planned to rush back to give it to you… I wish I could have returned a bit earlier.”

Ling Xiao was overwhelmed, his vision filled with the small ring. He hadn’t expected Ying Feng to remember the day of their bond, especially since it wasn’t a particularly happy occasion for either of them.

Broadcast via satellite into homes across the planet, under the witness of all its inhabitants, Ying Feng lifted Ling Xiao’s hand and solemnly slid the ring onto his ring finger.

“After so many years, I can finally put this ring on your finger myself.”

Ling Xiao’s eyes wanted to cry, but his mouth wanted to smile. He foolishly gazed at his left hand, feeling unreal as if in a dream.

Even Red Head couldn’t help feeling emotional.

“Forming a bond before dating, consummating the marriage before proposing—truly the most unconventional couple I know,” he said mockingly while wiping his eyes. “I was wrong. I will never again say Ying Feng isn’t good with words. Actions are indeed much more powerful than words.”

Seeing the two standing there foolishly, he led the crowd in chanting. “Kiss!”

Encouraged by the crowd, Ling Xiao took a step forward. They didn’t kiss but hugged each other tightly instead. Their souls that had been exchanged through lifetimes were now inseparable once more.

On a day that should have been for remembrance and sorrow, happiness spread as smiles on everyone’s faces, passing on indefinitely. It brought a ray of hope to this planet that had just suffered a great blow, like the dawn after darkness.

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 130

Zhu Yue reluctantly appeared on the screen. Having used the Huoxiu people for his purpose, he no longer wanted any involvement with them.

“Tai Er, didn’t we agree to take what we need? Why are you contacting me again?”

The man called Tai Er said angrily, “You said there was only one Soul Tree in all of Tianxiu, but why did a new one appear after one was destroyed? Their lighthouse is still lit!”

“How is that possible?” Zhu Yue’s face changed. “I have never heard of a second Soul Tree.”

“If you don’t believe it, you can see for yourself,” Tai Er said furiously. “We knew nothing about history and only acted against our ancestors’ teachings to create the Lone Star by believing your words as an ancient Tianxiu person. But if we can’t take back our planet, how am I supposed to explain it to the people? Not to mention the many voices that already oppose us!”

“I see,” Zhu Yue said impatiently. “I’ll take a look and then figure out a solution.”

“No need for your solutions,” Tai Er refused rudely. “No matter who you were, now you are one of the artificial humans. Who knows if you are feigning allegiance, actually here to annihilate us.”

Zhu Yue found it amusing. “If I wanted to annihilate you, would I have helped you create the Lone Star?”

“But the artificial beings you created are far inferior to those of Tianxiu. What can they do except rush to their deaths?”

Zhu Yue caught his insinuation. “What do you really want?”

“Simple.” Tai Er leaned forward, his arms straight on the console. “I want intelligent beings like you. Only then can we contend with the current Tianxiu people.”

Zhu Yue lowered his head and let out a few muffled laughs, annoying Tai Er.

“What are you laughing at?”

“Laughing at how, after such a precedent, you could still have such a ridiculous idea. No wonder history repeats itself with people like you who overestimate themselves continually appearing. Tai Duo, who opposed this plan back then and fled with his family overnight, probably never imagined his descendants would turn out like this.”

“Cut the crap!” Tai Er retorted. “You failed back then because you bet all restraining conditions on the royal bloodline. The dynasty ended, and the artificial beings inevitably rebelled. We will not make the same mistakes.”

“Huh,” Zhu Yue sneered. “Without the royal bloodline, you want to use your mixed blood? Look in the mirror. No true ancient Tianxiu person has red eyes. Your ancestors intermarried with the local Huoxiu people, and after thousands of years, your generation barely retains a surname. The Tianxiu gene is almost gone. The ancient Tianxiu couldn’t do it, and you think with your abilities, you can control the Lone Star with real intelligence?”

“Who are you calling a mongrel!” Tai Er glared. “Even if the ancient Tianxiu people were formidable, they were only at the level of a thousand years ago. So much time has passed since then, and technology has undergone earth-shattering changes. What they couldn’t do, we might be able to.”

Zhu Yue shook his head and sighed with a mocking laugh. “Do you know what the ancient Tianxiu people were like? We couldn’t shoulder burdens or carry things with our hands. Many things you think are easy, we had to rely on machines to accomplish. But it’s also because of this that our wisdom is much stronger than you imagine. The civilization of ancient Tianxiu is no less than that of any nation today. Now, you have a strong physique, but compared to your ancestors, you’re more than just a little stupid. That’s fair. You can’t have everything; you always have to make choices.”

Tai Er, mocked to his face, stood back, his gaze darkening. “I knew it. At the time of your near death, I shouldn’t have saved you but should have directly taken your genes for research. Since you’re completely opposed, then there’s no need for us to cooperate any longer.” He turned to a researcher beside him. “Recall AA-001.”

“Wait a minute!” Hearing Zhu Yue inevitably trying to stop him, Tai Er lowered his head, a sly smile curling at the corner of his mouth. AA-001 stood expressionless beside Zhu Yue. Although he had been following Zhu Yue as Zhen He since he was created, he would still prioritize the commands of his original master.

Zhu Yue was calculating something in his mind, and after a long time, he said, “The earliest Lone Stars evolved from the Tianxiu people, so they could easily accept our genes. But your genes have undergone too many changes; forcibly transplanting them, I don’t know what would happen.”

“Aren’t you the one who claims to be from a high-intelligence race? Can’t you solve even this problem?”

“Fine.” Zhu Yue agreed, perhaps for some purpose, very straightforwardly. “But I need time.”

Only then did Tai Er look satisfied. “I hope you won’t make me wait too long.”

On Tianxiu, 35,000 EAU away, the people intent on rebuilding their homeland were unaware that the enemy’s ambitions had swelled to uncontrollable proportions. The return of Ta Yun and Fei Jing was probably the only good news in a series of bad news for Fu Yao. However, when he found Ta Yun had grown a full head taller than himself, his initial joy turned to disdain, affecting his attitude towards Fei Jing as well.

“What are you doing back here, wanted criminal?”

Ling Xiao, unaware of their familiarity, tried to mediate.

“Fei Jing came back specifically after hearing about the situation here. Give him a chance to redeem himself.”

“He comes back now; where was he before?” He turned to the principal and asked bluntly, “Are you better yet?”

The principal, probably not expecting Fu Yao to care, replied, “No.”

“That’s good.” He signaled to Nie Yun. “Take Fei Jing and detain him for a couple of days.”

Everyone was speechless; only Nie Yun helplessly shook his head. It seemed the relationship between these two would probably never improve.

“Is there some bad news?” Ying Feng, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up, having noticed Fu Yao’s mood had been off since earlier. Fu Yao gave him a knowing look. “The Huangxiu people have declared war on us.”

“What?” Ling Xiao remembered that years ago, because of Ying Feng’s matter, Fu Yao personally led an expedition against Huangxiu and ended it with their surrender.

“They’ve torn up the surrender agreement and have occupied all our mining points near the Huangxiu region. Every time there’s turmoil, Huangxiu is always the most restless. It’s not surprising they’re the first to jump out this time. But what I’m most worried about now is the possibility of other planetary forces joining in. If they unite against us, with our current strength, I must say it would be somewhat difficult to handle.”

Seeing Ling Xiao’s expression grow heavy, unlike his usual self, Ying Feng asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ling Xiao decided to tell everything he knew. “Descendants of the ancient Tianxiu scientists once said that if we stay within our own territory and behave, the Soul Tree will continue to produce souls, increasing our population. But if we repeatedly cross borders and expand aggressively, the birth of new souls will decrease and eventually stop completely.”

“Is that so? No wonder the birth of new souls has been growing so slowly for a thousand years… But why wasn’t such important information passed down by our ancestors?”

“Because time has blurred many truths. Our birth, the man-made species, the origin of the coming-of-age ceremony, and the essence of forming bonds… Our ancestors hoped we would live on as true humans, so over the years, the truth has been concealed through generations of unintentional or deliberate hiding.”

“Yue Ying said something right—the civilization we’ve created now is built on lies. Except for a few, the vast majority are kept in the dark. Now that new Lone Stars have emerged and declared war on us, I think it’s time to let people know the truth. To know who created us, who we are fighting against, why we are fighting, and not to live forever in deception.”

“But the truth is so shocking. Have you considered the public’s psychological capacity to handle it?”

“A race that can endure the universe’s cruelest and most inhumane battle of the coming-of-age ceremony, what pressure can possibly bring us down? What’s most important is, I don’t want the efforts of our ancestors in overcoming their instincts through generations to be wasted. The coming-of-age ceremony is a cruel fate imposed on us, never a survival of the fittest by natural selection. It is the greatest resistance against fate by the past Tianxiu people, who repeatedly killed their loved ones. The formation of bonds is the proof of their deep love.”

“Although everyone here lacks past memories, we are all participants in history,” he said, looking intently at Ying Feng. “Taking sovereignty from the ancient Tianxiu people and overcoming instincts in the coming-of-age ceremony, anyone here could have played a decisive role. Every step taken by each Tianxiu is inseparable from all of us. To deny history is to deny ourselves. We created history for a brighter future, and that’s something to be proud of, with no need for concealment.”

“Whether natural species or man-made creations, after seeing these four thousand years of silhouettes, I genuinely feel proud of my people. I believe our compatriots, after knowing the truth, will share my sentiments.”

“Brilliantly said!” A voice came from behind, and everyone turned around to see two people in different white uniforms walking towards them, the earlier statement having been made by the one in the lead.

Ling Xiao recognized both of them and called out their names. “Dr. Heng He! Assistant Yu Quan!”

“Yu Quan is no longer an assistant researcher,” Nie Yun corrected him. “He is now the chief researcher of the base.”

“Really?” Ling Xiao exclaimed with surprise. “That’s great! Dr. Zhi Shang and Dr. Yao would be very happy to hear this.”

As the two approached, Heng He pushed up his data glasses on the bridge of his nose. “I heard what you just said, and I think it makes a lot of sense. I can capture your experiences in history in the form of images and sound and upload them to the mainframe. This way, every citizen of Tianxiu can know their true origin as if they experienced it firsthand. As for the merits and demerits of the blood pact, it should be up to them to judge. I also hope that after witnessing history, they will, as you said, feel proud of their race.”

Everyone unanimously turned to Fu Yao for his opinion. After a brief hesitation, Fu Yao nodded in agreement, then turned to Yu Quan, who had come with him.

“What are you here for?”

Even after being promoted to chief researcher, Yu Quan’s poker face remained unchanged.

“I also have a very important discovery. Since the enemy is of the same species as us, why, when they die, do their souls forsake the nearby and travel across half the galaxy back to their planet instead of being summoned by our lighthouse?”

No one had thought of this question. “This… isn’t that normal? The species created by the Huoxiu people must be different from us…”

Yu Quan’s usually unflappable eyes seemed slightly smug. “So, based on this phenomenon, I’ve modified the lighthouse’s recognition range. If the enemy invades again, their souls will belong to us after they die, sparing them the trouble of a weary journey.”

This was indeed great news, especially for Tianxiu, which had just permanently lost a large number of souls. Nothing could be more uplifting.

“I’m starting to look forward to the arrival of the Huoxiu people.” Ling Xiao voiced everyone’s thoughts.

Fu Yao’s eyes once again lit up with fighting spirit. “Good, Ling Xiao and Heng He, go back to the Genetics Center; everyone else, follow me to the base to check on the progress.”

Their location was already within the boundaries of the base, and Ling Xiao and Ying Feng quickly followed Heng He underground to the Genetics Center, which remained intact despite the near-catastrophic attack on the surface.

“Are you ready?” Heng He placed a helmet-like device on Ling Xiao’s head.

“Yes!” Ling Xiao nodded firmly.

“Then let’s start.” Heng He activated the device, and the events of the past four thousand years replayed in Ling Xiao’s mind. On the nearby screen, the data upload progress bar appeared.

“It was you.” Ling Xiao, who had been recalling the past with closed eyes, suddenly said with a smile.

“What?” Ying Feng asked.

“It was you.” Ling Xiao opened his eyes slightly. “The person who played a key role in seizing sovereignty from the ancient Tianxiu people, in overcoming instincts at the coming-of-age ceremony, was you.”

He looked at Ying Feng affectionately. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me—from four thousand years ago to now, you’ve always been my pride.”

Ying Feng looked back at the unusually serious Ling Xiao and suddenly asked, “Don’t you regret it?”

“Regret what?” Ling Xiao was puzzled.

“Accepting the memory upload.”

“What’s there to regret?” Ling Xiao was a bit baffled.

“Because now everyone knows, for these four thousand years, you’ve always lost to me, not winning even once.”

Ling Xiao: “…………”

Ling Xiao: “??”

Ling Xiao: “!!!”

“Ahhhhh!” Realizing what had happened, Ling Xiao cried out and rushed to check the device, seeing the progress bar at 98%, 99%, and finally 100%, indicating the upload was complete.

“Why didn’t you remind me earlier!” Ling Xiao, frustrated, shook Ying Feng by the neck, repeating the question over and over.

In the background, the decision-making “program” was running at high speed: Is it an attack? Or flirting? Should it be stopped or let it happen? Attack? Flirting? Attack? Flirting?

Forget it! Can you just admit you’re human and stop playing with the system!

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 129

This was probably the most rudimentary Marshal’s investiture ceremony in the history of Tianxiu. Fu Yao solemnly received the mandate from Dai Xuan, not in the solemn and dignified military hall but amidst the ruins and broken walls.

Following the youngest general, Fu Yao became Tianxiu’s youngest marshal—even he thought the timing was too early. Since the former Marshal followed his Qizi to reincarnate, handing over the Marshal title to Long Yin, only a little over a decade had passed. Long Yin also became the Marshal with the shortest tenure; his duty of transferring military command even had to be completed by his Qizi.

Now officially the highest commander of the Tianxiu military, Fu Yao stepped back. Standing behind him was a neat row of soldiers, his Qizi and current Deputy Marshal, Nie Yun, at the forefront.

Under Fu Yao’s lead, everyone saluted Dai Xuan, watching her head toward a black building nearby. The war had destroyed a corner of its roof, and cracks on the walls added a sense of somberness.

Ling Xiao and Ying Feng, who had just arrived, also watched her last journey. Ling Xiao learned of her identity from Ying Feng. Despite their poor impression of Long Yin—especially Ling Xiao, who had witnessed Ling Xing’s experiences—they couldn’t help but feel poignant about such an ending.

Since the practice of bonding began, she wasn’t the first to follow her other half in death, but others left with the hope of reuniting in the next life. Her next life, however, wouldn’t have traces of that person.

In a field of metal debris, a clear area was made, gathering scattered daggers and even fragments, solemnly lined up. Some were identified by their patterns, others marked with blank nameplates, signifying their owners had once been there.

Mourners offered bouquets for the warriors’ remains. There wasn’t much time for grief; most people joined in rebuilding the base after mourning. This was a resilient nation, not defeated despite such a disaster.

Ling Xiao moved with the crowd to Long Yin’s name. His dagger, being at the explosion’s epicenter, was severely damaged, barely pieced together and still incomplete.

Ling Xiao, who had planned to settle accounts with Long Yin regarding Ling Xing and Jing Yu, could only sigh, placing a white bouquet in front of his dagger.

“I had many complaints against you.” Ling Xiao spoke heavily, while Ying Feng listened quietly. “But your actions this time lived up to a military Marshal’s title. I respect you as a national hero.”

After speaking, he paused. “May your soul rest in peace.”

Ying Feng and he saluted Long Yin’s remains together, then turned to see Red Head and others.

Red Head and his group were actively involved in rebuilding the base. Seeing Ling Xiao, he ran over, surprised to find them there.

“Why are you two here?” he asked incredulously. “Weren’t you doing the coming-of-age ceremony?”

“It’s over,” Ling Xiao replied calmly, his light gray eyes confirming it.

Red Head then turned to Ying Feng. “Why did you let him run around during his chaotic period?”

“He insisted on coming,” Ying Feng explained succinctly.

“Do I look like I’m in a chaotic period?” Ling Xiao added.

Red Head examined him closely. “So, a second bonding doesn’t lead to a chaotic period?”

“If it’s with the same person, I guess not.”

“That’s good news; I was worried for you.” Red Head happily scratched his head. “But why did you come so early?”

“I wanted to see if there’s anywhere I could help.”

“You’re too diligent, but I understand your feelings.” Red Head sighed, glancing at the temporary altar, “Honestly, if it weren’t for the joy of your return to lighten the mood, everyone’s spirits would be really low right now.”

“It’s good that you came back. Thinking about how you were sent back thousands of years ago and still managed to return alive, I feel like there’s nothing in the future that can’t be overcome.”

“You’ve matured a lot.” Ling Xiao looked at him with relief. “I genuinely feel a sense of pride, like my baby gorilla has finally grown up.”

“Fuck off.” Red Head punched him. “If time allowed, I’d really like to hear about your experiences over the past four thousand years, but it’s too busy now.”

“There will be plenty of time in the future. I’ll tell you slowly.” Ling Xiao stepped forward. “I’ll help too.”

Before he could take a step, a hand was placed on his forehead, the icy palm glowing with white light. Ling Xiao was familiar with this action; Bing Can had used this method to check his body when they first met.

“Your mental injury is healed?” Bing Can asked with some surprise.

“It healed when the blood pact was lifted,” Ling Xiao said, glancing back at Ying Feng, realizing he had forgotten to tell him. “I think it’s probably because the soul injected into my body repaired my spirit.”

“No wonder. I’ve been worried for so many years…” Bing Can, not wanting to touch on Ying Feng’s sore spot, stopped mid-sentence.

“Even though it’s now known that the injury is not incurable, the cost of healing is too high. Otherwise, Shuang Feng, the principal…” He inadvertently mentioned the principal and then became melancholic again, “…and others could be freed from this mental illness.”

Seeing the conversation turn solemn, Red Head quickly changed the subject. “Ah, Ling Xiao, guess where Commander Fu Yao, no, the Marshal, planted the Soul Tree?”

“Isn’t that military secret?” Ling Xiao then turned his head towards the lighthouse, where light reached far away, clearly visible even in daylight, as if it had never been extinguished.

Red Head said mysteriously, “I’ll tell you secretly. The Marshal planted the Soul Tree in the sky!”

“In the sky?” Ling Xiao was surprised. A tree could be planted in the sky?

Ying Feng, after some thought, understood. “Indeed, it’s the safest place.”

“You knew?” Ling Xiao was even more surprised. “How did you understand that?”

“Do you remember why the military couldn’t catch Tai Yin for many years?”

“Because he never had a fixed landing point but used the stealth capabilities of warships to hide in space…” Ling Xiao suddenly exclaimed, “Ah, I know now!”

“Smart, right?” Red Head admired Fu Yao’s decision. “The Marshal transplanted the Soul Tree into the most hidden spaceship, orbiting within the range of the lighthouse, so even the smartest enemy wouldn’t think of it.”

“It’s a good method…” As Ling Xiao was speaking, his gaze fell on a person not far away. That person was staring in their direction, and Ling Xiao felt something was off. Before his brain could process it, he had already flown over.

Unexpectedly, the person turned and ran upon seeing him coming, which further confirmed Ling Xiao’s suspicion. He instinctively reached out, only to realize he didn’t have a single soul crystal on him. Seeing that the person was about to escape, Ling Xiao had no choice but to shout in the direction of the escapee, ‘Stop him!'”

A familiar figure appeared in the suspect’s path, and Ling Xiao, recognizing Ying Feng’s face, breathed a sigh of relief. Sure enough, with Ying Feng’s intervention, the person was quickly subdued, and several soldiers came from elsewhere to firmly control him.

Ling Xiao finally caught up, gratefully saying, “It’s good that you’re here, Ying Feng. Otherwise, he would have escaped.”

Unexpectedly, the person raised an eyebrow. “Who are you calling?”

Ling Xiao stared at his face, stunned for a moment. This person, a few centimeters taller than him, had a playful look in his eyes and a slight smirk on one corner of his mouth. The Ying Feng he knew didn’t have such a rich range of facial expressions.

After realizing something, Ling Xiao quickly shifted his gaze from the other person’s face to his left hand and unceremoniously removed the black glove there, revealing a cold mechanical hand.

“Fei Jing?!”

Ling Xiao never thought he would see this person again in his life. At this moment, the real Ying Feng also appeared beside him, having teleported using the Qizhu ability. The two identical people standing side by side made it difficult to distinguish between them.

“Ling Xiao.”

At this time, someone smilingly walked over from behind Fei Jing and gently called his name.

“Principal!” Ling Xiao recognized him at a glance, and just as he rushed over for a long-awaited hug, he stopped, taking a while to realize something was off.

“You’ve grown?!”

The principal looked at Fei Jing somewhat embarrassedly, thinking it was quite obvious. “I thought the first question you would ask would be about me still being alive.”

“You’re still alive?!”

Prompted by the principal, Ling Xiao quickly added the question, then felt it was a silly one.

Indeed, Fei Jing mocked him unkindly. “After so many years, how can you still be so stupid?”

The smile on Ling Xiao’s face from the reunion quickly fell. “You’ve grown, but why hasn’t your hand regrown?”

“You—” Fei Jing extended his mechanical hand, intending to hit Ling Xiao’s head, but was subtly stopped by Ying Feng.

Ling Xiao then turned back to the principal and asked, “But how did you escape? I saw you rush towards Tai Yin when he self-destructed.”

“Hmph,” Fei Jing responded disdainfully. “Such a simple thing, nothing surprising.”

The principal smiled and explained to Ling Xiao, “The spaceship had an emergency ejection system; rushing in without considering that was redundant on my part.”

Fei Jing had an attitude of ‘as long as you know’. “I could have easily escaped by myself. Carrying a half-dead person was just a burden.”

“Hmm, thanks for the trouble,” the principal said smoothly, leaving Fei Jing speechless and unsure of what to say.

Ling Xiao quickly asked, “Since you’re still alive, why didn’t you come back to find us?”

The principal hesitated before responding, “Because Fei Jing is a wanted criminal. If he stayed, he would only end up in prison, so he had to leave.”

“So he abducted you too?”

“He wanted to follow,” Fei Jing interjected.

Ling Xiao was displeased. He knew nothing about their past entanglements. In his view, Fei Jing had always been an irresponsible Qizhu who abandoned his own Qizi, and Ta Yun was the principal at Bikong, so he naturally sided with him.

“You’re just taking advantage of the principal’s severe mental injury, and he can’t leave you, right? Let me tell you, now mental injuries can be healed.”

“Really?” Both asked in unison, but with different tones: one anxious, the other delighted.

Ling Xiao just wanted to tease him. Of course, he wouldn’t reveal the real method. “Of course it’s true. My mental injury has been healed, and now it’s okay even if I leave Ying Feng.”

Ying Feng: “……”

“Is it true?” This time, the principal asked Ying Feng.

Ying Feng thought about it and decided not to expose him, nodding along with his words.

“That’s really great.” The principal seemed genuinely happy for Ling Xiao, also feeling a vague sense of anticipation. Fei Jing, however, looked conflicted, seemingly hoping for the other’s injury to be healed yet not wanting him to be freed from dependence.

The principal glanced back and guessed what he was thinking, holding back a laugh. “But I don’t need it, right?”

“Why not?” Ling Xiao felt the same confusion as Fei Jing upon hearing this.

“Because if there were a way to cure mental injuries, the cost would be extremely high, likely more than we can afford.” He lowered his head, a smile playing at the corners of his eyes. Ling Xiao had seen him smile at Bikong, but those were mostly bitter smiles. He had never seen the principal smile so genuinely. “Moreover, as long as two people don’t separate, the mental injuries are as if non-existent. Over the years, we’ve traveled many places together, and I’ve long forgotten what that feels like.”

After enduring nearly a hundred years of severe mental injury, it was impossible to just forget about it. Ling Xiao knew that the principal’s words were a lie but chose not to expose it.

However, regarding Fei Jing, Ling Xiao remembered his dream was to travel everywhere. It seemed now that his wish had been fulfilled.

“Why did you come back if he is wanted?” Ling Xiao remembered to ask.

The principal then said seriously, “We heard that our home planet was attacked and rushed back as quickly as we could. This news has spread throughout the entire galaxy. Now is the weakest time for Tianxiu, and all the planets that hold grudges against us are restless. I thought the military must be short-handed, so even at the risk of being arrested, we had to come back to help.”

His words reminded Ling Xiao, and the soldiers who had helped catch the suspect finally found the opportunity to speak. “What crime did this person commit?”

Everyone then remembered the suspicious individual who had been left aside for a long time. Ling Xiao walked up to him and examined him closely, finally confirming. “He is not one of us.”

“What?!” Everyone was shocked.

“Although he looks like us, I’ve seen Jing Yu. This person’s eyes are just like Jing Yu’s.”

Only Ying Feng among those present had heard the name Jing Yu. The others were clueless. “Who is Jing Yu?”

“He is Ying Feng’s past life.” Ling Xiao looked at him. “The last generation’s Lone Star.”

“Ying Feng in his past life was a Lone Star?” Red Head immediately exclaimed, “No wonder he’s so cold in this life!”

Ying Feng had already guessed his own identity from Ling Xiao’s hints but hearing him say it out loud made him feel a mix of emotions.

“So, you mean to say,” Bing Can said uncertainly, “this person is also a Lone Star?”

Everyone turned their attention to the Lone Star mentioned by Ling Xiao. Indeed, they found no emotion in his eyes; despite being captured, he stood emotionlessly.

“Mm.” Ling Xiao nodded. “The Lone Star is the original version of us, the Tianxiu people. When the ancient Tianxiu people created us, they named us after the Lone Star. And those who left Tianxiu to settle on Huoxiu hold the code of the original Lone Star.”

“So this person is from Huoxiu, deliberately left behind to infiltrate us as a spy? Who knows how many such people there are.” Red Head was frightened. “The things I just told you, he didn’t hear them, did he?”

“Fortunately, Ling Xiao discovered it early. Even if he heard, he probably didn’t have the time to transmit the information back.”

“What do we do with this person now?”

Bing Can thought for a moment. “Take him to Marshal Fu Yao and see how he decides to deal with him.”

The soldiers left with their orders, but not long after, there was a commotion. By the time people noticed, they could only catch a glimpse of a soul’s fleeing light trail.

The person responsible for escorting him was dumbfounded. “He deliberately tripped, used the momentum to break free from us, and then committed suicide.”

Upon hearing this, Ling Xiao’s eyes dimmed, but he didn’t seem too surprised. “His genes are the same as ours, programmed not to allow themselves to be captured. Once they feel there’s no hope of escape, they won’t hesitate to end their lives.”

Although they came from different camps, probably only artificial beings would feel sorrow for the death of another artificial being. To their creators, they were merely objects. Their life span had come to an end; they might be recycled for reuse or simply discarded. Apart from the economic loss, what difference did it make from other inanimate objects?

On the distant Huoxiu, a person stared at the constantly changing data on the screen. After detecting a certain anomaly, he turned his head, revealing a pair of crimson eyes.

“AF-107 has returned.”

Another person, similar in appearance, asked, “What information did he bring back?”

“They still have a Soul Tree, and the lighthouse has resumed illumination. The Soul Tree must be somewhere near the lighthouse.”

The other person was clearly dissatisfied with the information the Lone Star had brought back with his life. “Wasn’t it said that there was only one Soul Tree, and only one lighthouse? That by destroying the Soul Tree, they would be left with no choice but to await death? What’s this about another Soul Tree?”

He walked down from his seat a bit agitatedly and ordered, “Connect me with Zhu Yue. Four thousand years ago, they destroyed our nation and exterminated our people. Even if it goes against our ancestors’ teachings, we must avenge this grudge.”

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Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

Chapter 128

The moment Ling Xiao felt his skin being pierced, he instinctively arched his chest upwards, not as if to avoid, but rather as if to actively meet it.

He could clearly feel his soul slowly ebbing from within him, flowing into Ying Feng through the wound he had bitten. He was probably the only one in all of Tianxiu to have such an experience while conscious. It felt like an extremely prolonged near-death experience. All the light in his vision converged to one point, forming a circle in the darkness, as if beckoning him to an exit at the end of a tunnel.

As his soul and warmth gradually faded, Ling Xiao saw flashes of his past lives. In the very beginning, Ling Yi and the others walked towards death in such a state until a stronger force, named love, kept them here. Using all his strength, Ling Xiao reached up to touch Ying Feng’s smooth hair, an action that made Ying Feng loosen his bite, only to bite down even harder. His eyes were slightly open, and the color in his pupils was visibly darkening.

Ling Xiao’s eyes, nearly transparent in his trance, saw the path of reincarnation before him. A simple step over it would lead to rebirth.

At that moment, a deep blue wave engulfed his cold body, Ying Feng’s power coming in waves, strong yet gentle. Ling Xiao was enveloped seamlessly by a familiar scent, his rigid limbs starting to revive from the fingertips. His hand regained sensation as if led by another, moving from winter to spring, from death to rebirth.

Time had passed so long that the people of this planet had forgotten that making a pact was originally a form of devotion to one another. It wasn’t a slaughter nor a plunder, but a sacrifice to keep one’s beloved alive and by one’s side, offering a longer lifespan than the other could obtain, regardless of the cost.

The pressure on his chest vanished, and Ling Xiao refocused. The face in front of him gradually became clear. Ying Feng watched him with deep, dark eyes, and Ling Xiao guessed what he must look like in Ying Feng’s eyes. Despite spending more time together in their fledgling state, it was now that they saw each other as the most pleasing in their eyes.

Perhaps because during their time in Bikong, they never truly looked at each other—only his one-sided childish provocations and Ying Feng’s disdain. If not for that accident, they would have missed each other in this life.

Another self-forgetting kiss followed., Ying Feng’s lips still tasted of his blood, sweet and metallic. They exchanged breaths, their souls flowing together, inseparable even if fate were to part them, always retaining each other’s essence.

After the lingering kiss, Ling Xiao cupped Ying Feng’s face, wanting to closely examine the face he had longed for over decades. Seeing Ling Xiao refocus and his hands becoming restless, Ying Feng knew he was alright.

“Now you can say it.”

Ling Xiao was busy admiring Ying Feng’s face, not really listening to what was said. “Say what?”

“About how I oppressed you for four thousand years.”

“Your evil deeds are too numerous to mention. Even three days and nights wouldn’t suffice.”

Ying Feng wasn’t ashamed. “Good. You have something to do during your chaotic period.”

Only then did Ling Xiao remember. “Why don’t I feel the effects of the chaotic period?”

Although it wasn’t night yet, he should have felt some symptoms.

“Perhaps because the essence of the chaotic period is adaptation, and you’ve already adapted to it.”

Ling Xiao pondered. “Makes sense.”

The door opened slightly, and a long snout peeked in. Xiao Hui intended to sneak a peek, but as soon as its head entered, it found itself being stared at by two pairs of differently colored eyes.

Xiao Hui stiffened, pretending to have seen nothing, and backed out, calmly walking away before breaking into a run, only to be called back by Ying Feng.

“Stop.”

Xiao Hui’s front paws were raised but stopped abruptly.

“Come back,” Ying Feng commanded.

Xiao Hui, maintaining his initial direction, comically stepped backward.

“What are you doing here?” Ying Feng asked.

Xiao Hui: “Awooo.”

“Speak human.”

Xiao Hui reluctantly transformed into human form, maintaining his habitual respect for the leader, a natural instinct for wolves with their strong sense of hierarchy.

“They asked me to keep an eye on your coming-of-age ceremony in case someone got hurt and needed first aid, so when I heard no sound, I came in to check…”

“So you’ve been eavesdropping till now?”

Xiao Hui: “……”

I hate speaking human language. I don’t want to!

Ying Feng watched Xiao Hui’s dejected face and suddenly smiled, stunning him. Since Ling Xiao left, he had never seen Ying Feng smile. Although it was faint, it genuinely reached his eyes. It was like a crack in an iceberg, with a seed sprouting quietly beneath, like a bud about to bloom.

Before Xiao Hui could appreciate the flower, Ying Feng’s smile vanished, leaving him wondering if it was just his imagination.

“We’re fine. You can tell them not to worry.”

“Ah? Oh,” Xiao Hui dully responded. “Then I’ll leave. You two continue.”

He moved his legs to leave but stumbled after a few steps. Not used to his human form, Xiao Hui awkwardly reverted to his wolf form and swiftly ran off on all fours.

Ying Feng returned to the bed, which seemed small but didn’t feel cramped with both of them lying on it.

“Ling Xing spent his chaotic period on this bed too. I didn’t expect to be repeating his experience.”

“What did he tell you?”

“He said he never beat you in his last life, so this time he wanted me to avenge him,” Ling Xiao lied with his eyes open. “Why didn’t you want to be the Qizi? This way, you can’t feel what release is like.”

“Like this?”

Ying Feng leaned down, gently capturing Ling Xiao’s earlobe. Before Ling Xiao could respond, a long-missed pleasure continuously surged through him. Ling Xiao, unaccustomed to such intimacy after many years, surrendered instantly.

But Ying Feng didn’t stop. He lightly bit and then released, repeating the action while moving down steadily from the earlobe, tenderly sucking on the soft part of the ear.

For Ling Xiao, it was like an endless climax. The pleasure, which should have subsided at its peak, kept fluctuating at the same height. Each time it dropped, it surged even higher. Ying Feng’s strong spiritual force held his waist, elevating him higher and higher; each time Ling Xiao thought he reached the limit, Ying Feng pushed him to a new peak.

Continuous release almost drove Ling Xiao mad. He gripped Ying Feng’s arms tightly, his fingers digging into his firm muscles, as if to push him away but also to pull him closer.

Half of his body was already draped over Ying Feng; even his toes curled in excitement. Ying Feng persisted, meticulously working on the other ear, leaving Ling Xiao surrounded by white light, his sanity being eroded by pleasure, occasionally struggling in vain.

Ling Xiao felt like he had survived through history’s torrent only to possibly die here today, perhaps from an overexcited heart. Using a necessary breath, he finally struggled to shout, “Stop!… Stop! Stop it…”

Ying Feng silently withdrew his power. In the instant his mental power left, Ling Xiao collapsed on the bed. His limbs, which were tightly clinging to Ying Feng, now hung limply, unable to even move a finger.

Ying Feng carefully combed Ling Xiao’s sweat-drenched, disheveled bangs, neatly brushing them to one side, revealing a smooth forehead. Ling Xiao closed his eyes, allowing himself to be fussed over, his breathing barely audible. If not for the vivid blush on his cheeks, one might think he was on the brink of death.

It took him a long time to exhale deeply. Even opening his eyes seemed laborious.

“Comfortable?” Ying Feng teasingly asked near his ear.

“You…” If Ling Xiao had any strength left, he would have punched him, but even moving his lips was a struggle.

He could only retort wittily, “Comfortable, but sadly, you won’t enjoy it this lifetime. I’ll have to satisfy you in the next life.”

Ying Feng found this amusing, noting Ling Xiao’s feigned strength even when he was barely able to move. “Is that so?”

Ling Xiao rested on Ying Feng’s chest, catching his breath for a moment, then a new idea popped into his head. “I also have a way to make you surrender.”

As he lifted his head, it bumped into the upper bunk’s bedboard, eliciting a painful cry.

“Take it easy,” Ying Feng said tenderly, pulling him down and rubbing the back of his head. “Is this your method?”

“I forgot about the existence of the upper bunk,” Ling Xiao said, feeling wronged. “It must have been tough for Ling Xing and Jing Yu in such a small space.”

“Not everyone is as restless as you are.”

This time, Ling Xiao was more careful, sliding down against Ying Feng’s body until reaching a sensitive area. He began fumbling with Ying Feng’s pants, something he had never done before.

“Are you sure?” Ying Feng asked incredulously.

Ling Xiao responded with action, taking Ying Feng’s member into his mouth and feeling it rapidly respond. Initially, he only intended to tease Ying Feng but soon got carried away, playfully licking the tip and tasting a salty tang.

Ying Feng gasped in a mixture of pain and pleasure, putting a hand on Ling Xiao’s forehead. “It’s said this can be addictive.”

Ling Xiao, with Ying Feng’s member in his mouth, mumbled, “If I don’t experience it now, I might never have the chance.”

His words weren’t serious, but they sounded heart-wrenching. Ying Feng’s hand lingered on his forehead for a moment before finally threading his fingers through Ling Xiao’s hair, pressing down slightly.

Ling Xiao moved awkwardly at first, initially keeping his eyes closed, then sneakily opening them to see a forest filled with a masculine aura. Remembering his own bare lower half, he spitefully plucked a hair.

Ying Feng winced in pain, tightening his grip unexpectedly. Unprepared, Ling Xiao choked and spat out Ying Feng’s member while coughing violently.

“Why did you suddenly exert force?” Ling Xiao complained, his eyes tearing up.

“You started it.”

“I haven’t even used my feet yet!” Ling Xiao gestured to kick but accidentally hit his head again.

“Ow…” Ling Xiao pitifully held his head, and Ying Feng softened, thinking of the long years of waiting.

“If you’re not comfortable, let’s not.”

“I want it!” Ling Xiao’s competitive spirit was sparked. Each time, Ying Feng effortlessly left him in ecstasy; now he wanted Ying Feng to taste the same.

This time, he earnestly took Ying Feng’s fully aroused desire into his mouth, moving his neck back and forth. Quickly, Ying Feng’s panting could be heard from above. Ying Feng’s fingers in his hair began to knead in rhythm. Although unable to see Ying Feng’s expression, the auditory and tactile feedback was enough for Ling Xiao to imagine Ying Feng in bliss.

Encouraged by this, Ling Xiao became even more enthusiastic, gradually getting used to the foreign object in his throat, occasionally mimicking swallowing motions. For Ying Feng, who had maintained a fledgling state for decades, such stimulation was overwhelming, leading to a momentary blank in his mind when Ling Xiao sucked hard.

Ling Xiao was unprepared for the sudden ejaculation, getting a mouthful of semen. He was about to mock Ying Feng for his quick release when an unprecedented hallucination enveloped him.

When Ying Feng’s cognitive ability returned, he braced himself for Ling Xiao’s ridicule, but unexpectedly, there was silence below.

Looking down, Ying Feng saw that Ling Xiao still had his member in his mouth, motionless, resting at the base of his thigh with a look of intoxication on his face, occasionally moving his lips to suck gently.

Ling Xiao had entered a new world, one without pain, wounds, farewells, or reincarnations. A world of carefree bliss and eternal companionship. The past sorrows and uncertain future dissipated in this realm, where he floated on clouds, savoring comfort from within and without. He seemed to hear the soul fragments shimmering like a bright galaxy, his skin glowing like jade in the vast universe. Each movement of his fingers and toes spread pleasure from the extremities.

If release was a wave of climaxes, then Ling Xiao now felt as if he were experiencing a hundredfold of those, caressed by countless warm hands and kissed by innumerable soft lips, as if he had fallen in love with a hundred people, each one deeply etched in his heart.

Ying Feng gently lifted the enthralled Ling Xiao, whose body had gone completely limp. Once up, Ling Xiao coiled around Ying Feng like a snake. Ying Feng noticed an unusual allure in his eyes.

After absorbing the essence of his Qizhu, Ling Xiao became excited and passionate—a different kind of fervor than that caused by blood. Blood made one wild and unrestrained, like a blazing fire, but now Ling Xiao was like flowing water—sensual, libertine, and seductive.

Ling Xiao’s vision and hearing became strange. Ying Feng’s voice seemed to come from a cloud, resonating in deep bass tones, creating lasting echoes. His vision was filled with illusions of mist and multicolored lights, which hid Ying Feng’s face behind these distortions.

To keep the hallucinatory Ying Feng from moving, Ling Xiao reached out to hold his face and kissed him by instinct. Tasting himself in Ling Xiao’s mouth, Ying Feng realized the root of Ling Xiao’s drastic change. Ling Xiao, like a boneless creature, indulged himself on Ying Feng, who, just relieved, was again aroused.

Some things remain familiar, no matter how long you go without doing them. Ying Feng effortlessly undressed Ling Xiao, his fingers finding a familiar entrance and probing it, causing Ling Xiao’s sensitive body to tremble rhythmically. The small space was a hindrance, so Ying Feng forcefully flipped them over, with Ling Xiao clinging tightly to him, showing no sign of letting go.

For Ling Xiao, the narrow single bed was nonexistent; he was still floating in vast clouds, extending endlessly in all directions. Every one of Ying Feng’s movements was magnified in his senses. He could no longer see Ying Feng’s face, only feeling the hands from his dreams caressing every inch of his skin.

Even from Ling Xiao’s expressions, it was clear he had fallen into a fantastical realm, a richness of erotic flavor in his eyes Ying Feng had never seen before. When Ying Feng entered him, it felt less like penetration and more like being drawn in. Ling Xiao’s tight embrace seemed reluctant to let him go.

As Ying Feng withdrew, Ling Xiao’s soul fragments seemed to gather together, only to be scattered again when Ying Feng thrust in powerfully. This pattern of gathering and dispersing continued, the illusions fluctuating with each movement, now plunging to the ocean depths, now soaring into the galaxy. The sounds from Ling Xiao were wildly uninhibited, his hips raised in rhythm with Ying Feng’s thrusts. Each collision heightened his ecstasy, then slowly descended as Ying Feng withdrew, like a feather undulating in the air or a boat bobbing on the waves.

This was a union that had spanned four thousand years, starting from the day when Jun Lin became Ling Yi, tirelessly striving life after life, to reach this level of closeness. Here, on the small bed where Ling Xing and Jing Yu had entrusted themselves to each other, they continued and extended the wishes that the others hadn’t been able to fulfill, stretching into the infinite future.

In the midst of their forgetful kissing, Ying Feng’s lips silently found a spot in Ling Xiao’s dreams. When his ear and lips were enveloped by a warm, moist area, Ling Xiao reflexively curled his toes. Waves a meter high rolled in the distance, quickly engulfing the two in their embrace. Ying Feng tasted blood, and Ling Xiao, clinging to this slight pain, barely maintained consciousness. His vision was filled with a persistent white light, so long-lasting that he thought he might go blind, until it gradually faded to reveal Ying Feng’s concerned face.

“I almost thought you wouldn’t wake up.”

“Me too,” Ling Xiao replied with a nasal voice, sniffling hard while still struggling to breathe clearly. “I finally understand why it’s addictive.”

“What does it feel like, hmm?” Ying Feng asked, though not content with just talking, as he pecked gently all over Ling Xiao’s face.

“Want to know?” Ling Xiao teased. “Become my Qizi, and I’ll let you experience it once… Ow!”

Ling Xiao covered his ears in dissatisfaction. “You bit it!”

“To heal your wound.” Ying Feng gently licked near the bite mark, the tingling sensation returning.

Ling Xiao tried to move his legs, only to find his lower body numb and weak, an unmentionable part even more numb to almost no feeling.

“You’re not going to… again?”

“That was just the interest.”

“Interest?” Ling Xiao asked, confused.

“This is your first coming-of-age ceremony. I owe you a wedding night.”

A wave of emotion hit Ling Xiao, and he didn’t think to refuse when Ying Feng turned him over.

As his body was entered once more, Ying Feng’s whispers were like brainwashing.

“And now, it officially begins…”

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