Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo
Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/
Chapter 93
Since just a moment ago, Ling Xiao has been sitting silently in front of the television, with the screen repeatedly showing the sneak attack by the Huoxiu Independent Army. The special genes of the Tianxiu people had always been coveted by enemies. For those with such intentions, the military had never been lenient, especially since this was the first time someone had dared to act on Tianxiu soil. This was undoubtedly a blatant provocation.
The faction advocating the abandonment of Huoxiu remained silent. The expeditionary faction was actively preparing for battle. In the camera’s view, the silhouette of the ‘Burning Shadow’ ship appeared multiple times. Its owner, Major General Fuyao, was ordered to lead troops to Huoxiu to suppress the independent army, consolidate rule, and also seek justice for the hostage who was sacrificed in this incident.
Under the Soul Tree, a short-statured general, with a presence unmatched by any, led his soldiers in a final oath before setting out. The battle for Huoxiu was the hardest within their limited operational range. Every individual wore a resolute expression, as if prepared to die. Whether they could return to Tianxiu or not was irrelevant; they hoped only that the lighthouse could illuminate the path for their souls to return.
The camera panned to the side, where a temporary memorial service was also held. Many civilians from various parts of Tianxiu had come to offer their floral tributes, even though they never knew the victims.
Ling Xiao stood up from the bed, wanting to go out, but was stopped. At this moment, he saw the school principal outside the door.
“Principal, can you take me to the base?” He shouted from inside the door.
After catching a glimpse of the television’s content, the principal turned to the two guards, asking, “May I speak with your commander?”
……
A man stood, head lowered, beside a concealed path, seemingly not wanting to be recognized. A small unmanned aircraft flew in and silently landed in front of him. The door opened.
The man stepped in willingly, and the door closed quickly. After only a brief pause, the aircraft sped away, taking the mysterious man with it. The road returned to its previous state, leaving no trace of what had just transpired.
The aircraft took him to a hidden location. When the door opened again, someone was already waiting for him outside.
“I knew you would come,” Tai Yin said, looking at him warmly, an expression unseen by others.
Shang Yang walked out emotionlessly from the aircraft. Regardless of how gentle Tai Yin appeared, it couldn’t change the fact of his coercion.
Tai Yin wasn’t bothered by Shang Yang’s cold demeanor; he just wanted him by his side. As for feelings, they could be cultivated later, after their bond formed.
Shang Yang was alone. Xing Lou had left before his arrival. The military had recently investigated his past life’s assets; he didn’t want to be exposed now. In the room, monitors lined the walls. Shang Yang quickly recognized people on the screens. Jue Yin walked in one screen, disappearing at its edge, only to appear on the next. Every move of hers was monitored. If Tai Yin wanted to harm her, it would be effortless. For a moment, Shang Yang clenched his fist but soon relaxed. This small gesture went unnoticed by Tai Yin.
“Is she your friend?” Tai Yin asked knowingly. “I didn’t expect that in the short time since you left the Eagle, you’ve made friends.”
Shang Yang remained expressionless; regardless of whether he genuinely cared about Jue Yin or was merely pretending, Tai Yin was satisfied.
“How many people do you intend to drag into this?” Shang Yang asked. “Ying Feng, Ling Xiao, Yu Quan, and now Jue Yin. Will you not spare anyone associated with me?”
“If you stay by my side, no one will be harmed,” Tai Yin softly replied. “Now that you’re back, I promise there won’t be any more issues.”
Shang Yang slightly turned his face away. “If I disappear silently, she won’t let it go. I don’t want her to bother me anymore.”
Tai Yin handed him a communicator and dialed Jue Yin’s number for him. In the surveillance footage, the girl quickly glanced at her device, where an unfamiliar number was flashing.
“Who is this?” her melodious voice came from the other end.
“It’s me,” Shang Yang replied calmly, looking at her through the screen.
“Shang Yang? Is this your number? Did you get your device?”
“No, it belongs to someone else,” he said.
Jue Yin didn’t press further. “I’ve asked the instructor, and in special cases like yours, after we have the coming-of-age ceremony, you can go directly to Royal Sky to study. However, you must start from the first grade. By then, you’ll be my junior.” She chuckled. “Have you been practicing hard lately? If you can’t defeat me in the coming-of-age ceremony, you’ll become my Qizi.”
Shang Yang remained calm upon hearing this, but Tai Yin’s lips curved slightly, his eyes colder than ice, revealing a smile that sent chills down one’s spine. It made one wonder if Tai Yin would go back on his previous promise if Jue Yin continued on this topic.
“I’ve made up my mind,” Shang Yang said flatly. “I don’t want to have the coming-of-age ceremony with you anymore.”
Jue Yin was visibly taken aback. “What are you talking about? Is something wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m obviously not as strong as you, but I also don’t want to become a Qizi, so I’ve changed my mind.”
Jue Yin stopped in her tracks, her voice tinged with anger. “That’s not what you said before.”
“I’m sorry. We haven’t known each other for very long, and our bond isn’t deep. You can find someone better suited for you.”
“Shang Yang, you’re acting so strange today!” Jue Yin raised her voice. “You clearly said that even if you’re not as strong as me, you would give it your all.”
“Yes, that was before I knew the truth about the coming-of-age ceremony. I visited a Qizi today who had just undergone the ceremony and realized that with my willpower, I can’t resist the chaos period.”
Jue Yin was clearly unprepared for his response. She took a deep breath. “Shang Yang, you’ve truly disappointed me.”
“I’m sorry. Let’s leave it at that. Please don’t contact me again. Goodbye.”
Shang Yang ended the conversation and handed the communicator back to Tai Yin, who promptly destroyed it.
“What do you want now?” Shang Yang asked him.
“I’ve mastered the method to break the blood bond,” Tai Yin said with an unmistakable hint of pride in his voice, clearly confident.
Shang Yang’s expression changed slightly. “And then?”
“The time isn’t right yet. Just wait for me for nine months, and I can unite with you again as a free individual.”
As Tai Yin spoke, there was a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. It had been a long time since he had looked forward to anything this much. Since the Shang Yang of his previous life left, it felt like half the light in his life was snuffed out. Now, he had a chance to reignite it.
“Nine months,” Shang Yang said, eyes downcast. “Do you think the military will just stand by? Your ship has been destroyed. Where do you expect me to hide for these nine months?”
“The most dangerous place is also the safest.” Tai Yin stepped forward, placing his hands on Shang Yang’s shoulders. This made Shang Yang tense, but he restrained himself. “I will send you to the base, where you will sleep in an energy pod for nine months. When you awaken, you’ll have a new identity. With minor changes to your appearance. No one will suspect a thing.”
“The base? Wasn’t your informant there caught?”
“Do you really think Yu Quan was my informant?” Tai Yin retorted. “You’ve only been with the military idiots for a few days, and you’re already affected by their stupidity.”
He changed the topic. “Shang Yang, I will make you forget all the unpleasant memories, just like Ling Xiao. When you wake up, I will reintroduce myself, and you will accept me. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with me, just like before.”
“What a perfect plan.” Shang Yang closed his eyes. “Since you’ve arranged everything so meticulously, what objections could I possibly have?”
He turned away. “Let’s go.”
The base was unexpectedly quiet. Everyone was outside, attending Ying Feng’s farewell ceremony. Under Tai Yin’s disguise, they easily infiltrated the base.
“Hurry,” a masked man whispered, clearly not wanting Shang Yang to see his face.
“Don’t worry, I’ll erase all his memories since he woke up. When he awakens, he’ll think he’s just a fledgling with no memory of you. I just need you to arrange a legal identity for him.”
“This is too risky,” the man whispered. “If there’s even a slight error, I’ll be exposed. Yu Quan just took the blame for me. Right now, I’m completely innocent. This is the last time I’m helping you. After today, don’t contact me.”
Tai Yin sneered, “Of course you won’t need to contact me. Killing your superior and naturally taking his place. Haven’t you achieved your goal already, Mr. Chief Researcher of the base?”
A person turned the corner, and the two present were greatly shocked.
“Yu Quan? How could it be you?” Ye Hai’s eyes widened in surprise. “Weren’t you arrested by the military?”
“If the military hadn’t arrested me, how could Teacher brazenly come to find you?” Yu Quan replied.
“For your own selfish desires, you conspired with Teacher, attacked the former chief, and disguised their deaths as mutual destruction. Did you think you could deceive everyone like this? The military has long known there’s a mole in the base. They just couldn’t find evidence. Because of my arrest, you became complacent, didn’t you?”
“Fortunately, justice is pervasive. The former chief can finally rest in peace today.”
After calmly stating this, more people emerged from hiding. Some were base staff who were supposed to attend the farewell ceremony, while others were fully armed soldiers. Tai Yin and Ye Hai were now surrounded.
Tai Yin’s eyes darkened. “You actually set me up?”
A rare hint of sorrow appeared on Yu Quan’s stoic face. “Teacher, please stop being obstinate. Many innocent people have sacrificed and lost their loved ones and memories because of you. Will you continue to make mistakes?”
Seeing that the conspiracy was exposed, Ye Hai subtly stepped back and quickly attacked Tai Yin, hoping that by killing him at this moment, he might receive a lighter sentence for turning on an ally. However, before he could finish his move, his body froze. He stared in disbelief at Tai Yin’s hand, amazed at how fast he was. Blood began to flow from his orifices, and his body gradually turned transparent.
“You…”
“This is retribution for what you did to my students,” Tai Yin replied without turning his head. “Even if you hadn’t been exposed, I would’ve done this. I might’ve had you work for me, but I never intended for you to kill my students.”
Ye Hai could no longer speak. His body quickly vanished into thin air, and a bright blue orb flew out of the hall, heading straight for a purification pool.
Having effortlessly killed a man, everyone around became more vigilant. Tai Yin, a scientific genius who had once single-handedly broken through a military encirclement and possessed numerous powerful soul crystals, could kill invisibly.
After finishing off Ye Hai, Tai Yin began to retreat, holding onto Shang Yang as a shield. Everyone hesitated to attack, fearing the object in Tai Yin’s hands, and they slowly moved away from the hall.
People outside the base saw this scene. Ling Xiao and the principal had just arrived and rushed over immediately.
“Shang Yang?” Ling Xiao was shocked to see the familiar figure being held hostage, quickly realizing who it was. “You’re Tai Yin?”
Tai Yin snorted in disdain and didn’t reply.
“Give up, Tai Yin,” Fu Yao approached from behind the crowd. “Last time you escaped by luck, but this time we won’t let you succeed.”
Tai Yin cautiously assessed the situation. The last time he escaped, he had the help of Ember and Yao Tai. This time, Yao Tai was gone, and the number of people surrounding him had doubled. Clearly, the military was prepared. In that case, he would have to use that move again… His hand discreetly reached into his pocket, where he kept Ember II.
“Tai Yin.”
Tai Yin paused, wondering why Shang Yang would suddenly call his name at this moment.
“I always thought that once free from your control, I’d be free.” Shang Yang spoke to Tai Yin but looked at Ling Xiao. “Now, I realize how naive I was. If you escape again, history will repeat itself, and more innocents will be hurt. I don’t want to see anyone else sacrifice for me.”
His gaze was filled with despair. Thinking of Ying Feng, Ling Xiao, and Jue Yin, he was tired of dealing with Tai Yin. From his awakening until now—being imprisoned, escaping, and the brief moments of freedom and joy—all seemed fleeting.
“Ling Xiao, thank you. The time I spent with you after meeting was the happiest time of my life,” he said with emotion. “It’s a pity that while you brought me happiness, I caused you to lose your beloved. If I could go back in time, I wish you had never met me in this vast universe.”
Ling Xiao, anxious, interrupted, “Even if I don’t remember all of this, you are precious to me, and it’s my duty to save you, regardless of the cost. You must believe that this time, we won’t let him take you away again.”
Shang Yang shook his head. “We’ve been entangled for so long; I’m tired. My soul is overburdened. Let this all end.”
Suddenly, a dagger appeared in his hand, and before anyone could react, he decisively stabbed himself in the chest. By the time Tai Yin tried to stop him, only the handle of the dagger remained outside. Everyone present was stunned, and by the time they wanted to help, it was already too late. Everything happened too fast.
“Shang Yang!” Ling Xiao wanted to rush forward, but the principal stopped him.
“Shang Yang…”
Tai Yin’s hands trembled, and his lips quivered. This man, once so proud and towering, had now fallen more painfully than anyone else.
“You clearly said that in our next life, you’d want to be with me… Because of that promise, I gave up my reputation, my status, lost everyone for you, and even betrayed this country. Yet you have forgotten it all…”
“Did I ever say that? Maybe. But the me who said that is not the me of this life. Why should I be held accountable for words that I didn’t say?”
Shang Yang closed his eyes. From the moment of his first birth until now, all his memories flashed before him.
“So this is what real death feels like.” He reflected on his past, like watching a movie. “Ah, I remember now, we were once so deeply in love.”
He opened his eyes. “But what of it? I have loved many in every lifetime, with all my heart. We once had a perfect ending, but in this life, all you brought me was pain…”
He lifted his hand, watching his body slowly turn transparent. Beautiful blue sparks danced around him, the fragments of his shattered soul.
“My soul is about to scatter. Don’t you have anything to say to me?”
Tai Yin was in tears.
“…Your name, in this life, is Yu Shi*.”
*Jade.
“Heh.” Shang Yang closed his eyes contentedly. “I like that name.”
He leaned back, dissolving into nothingness. Those scattered soul fragments fluttered weakly in the air, swirling, unable to come together. Tai Yin tried in vain to grasp those fragments, hoping to collect them, but it was just a futile dream.
Finally, the fragments scattered everywhere, like a rain of shimmering crystals, casting dappled patterns as they fell, but vanished before touching the ground.
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