Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

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Chapter 96

Ying Feng immediately used a teleportation soul crystal. Even if he couldn’t teleport to his Qizi’s side, it didn’t mean he couldn’t use the soul crystal. Ling Xiao turned around only to find the person who was previously inside the room now standing behind him, which startled him.

“How did you do that?”

“Using a soul crystal, like this.” Ling Xiao watched as Ying Feng flicked his thumb, throwing two crystal-like objects into the air, one after the other. Then, as if drawn by a powerful magnet, Ling Xiao was pulled toward Ying Feng, sticking firmly to him.

“…What did you do to me?” Ling Xiao tried to push Ying Feng away angrily but was drawn back the moment he let go.

“It’s a Polar Soul Crystal, the prize we won from completing a couple’s game.”

“A couple’s game? With you?”

“To prevent you from overthinking things, I’ll just have to make you stick with me for a bit.” Ying Feng hoisted Ling Xiao onto his shoulder and started walking out without another word.

“Have I overthought? You’re still thinking about that peach pit of yours!” Ling Xiao kicked and punched on Ying Feng’s shoulder. “Put me down!”

“After using the Polar Soul Crystal, it can’t be undone for half an hour. If you keep moving, I’ll just have to carry you.”

The thought of being carried around by Ying Feng was even more embarrassing than being hoisted on his shoulder, so Ling Xiao had no choice but to stay still, though he still voiced his discontent.

“Why don’t you just command me to walk? Why go through all this trouble?”

“Since that incident, I’ve never controlled you, except for the one time you nearly crashed into a police car while driving. We had an agreement, but if you’ve forgotten, just pretend it doesn’t exist. I wouldn’t mind regaining some power.”

For example, the aphrodisiac ability seemed nice in hindsight, and not being able to use the mental vision anytime was quite inconvenient.

“No! An agreement is an agreement, and besides, I don’t even know what’s in it. This is deception!”

“One of the terms was that if I wanted to have sex with you, you couldn’t resist.”

“…How could I possibly make that kind of agreement with you?! Cancel it! Cancel everything!”

The door of the room across the hall was open. Red Head saw a peculiar silhouette accompanied by noisy chatter and curiously peeked out.

“Ying Feng is carrying Ling Xiao away.”

Bing Can, busy typing, didn’t even look up. “Oh.”

“Aren’t you curious about what he might do to him?”

“Do you think he’ll take him to the playground and confess, like you would?”

Bing Can stopped typing. “Although I can’t imagine what Ying Feng might do when he takes initiative, it’s certainly not what you’re thinking. He’s very aloof, but once he’s decided on something, he’s more stubborn than anyone.” He turned around. “You should start considering what hair color you want.”

Ying Feng carried Ling Xiao to the Royal Sky landing pad. Ling Xiao was puzzled when Ying Feng borrowed the car key from Yu Ji, but he couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the Flying Shark.

“Whose car is this?”

“Legally it’s mine, but practically, it’s yours.”

“Mine?”

Ying Feng grabbed his wrist and tapped on his personal terminal. The Flying Shark blinked twice, confirming Ying Feng’s words.

“How could I possibly afford such an expensive car?”

Ying Feng opened the door to the Flying Shark. “If you have questions, get in, and we can talk.”

He set the destination on the auto-navigation and activated the autopilot. Then, he made space in the co-driver’s seat, sat down, and pulled Ling Xiao into his embrace.

“You can ask any questions now, and I’ll explain everything one by one.”

Being held so intimately by Ying Feng made Ling Xiao very uneasy. Remembering the day at the base when Ying Feng dragged him to a corner to avoid being noticed, even that level of contact made him blush, let alone being held so closely.

He distracted himself by thinking of questions, but there were so many things he wanted to ask, he didn’t know where to start. After a moment, Ling Xiao asked the most trivial one related to their situation.

“What was that crystal you used earlier?”

Indeed, memory loss couldn’t change one’s nature, and such an oblivious question was truly Ling Xiao’s style.

“It’s a soul crystal.” Ying Feng showed a small crystal in his palm. “You can use it too. Give it a try.”

Ling Xiao hesitated before taking it. Yet, upon receiving the soul crystal, he activated it effortlessly, and in its place appeared a banana.

Ying Feng wasn’t surprised. “Even though your memory is blocked, your body hasn’t forgotten. The repeated practices have formed a conditioned reflex. Activating it is as natural as breathing. If time could be rewound a few months, even if I used the magnetic soul crystal on you, you wouldn’t simply let me control you. You’re not sitting here because you were forced to; your body has simply grown accustomed to this touch.”

Ling Xiao, with mixed emotions, silently peeled and ate the banana. What Ying Feng said seemed to be true, and he couldn’t refute it. “Where are you taking me now?”

“You’ll know when we get there.”

The Flying Shark sped along, and by the time they reached their destination, Ling Xiao still couldn’t break away from that awkward connection.

The flowers in the church were still in full bloom. The priest saw them and smiled knowingly. “Your relationship seems to be improving.”

Ling Xiao awkwardly adjusted his posture and gave a forced laugh. “This is really a misunderstanding.”

The priest approached, looking at Ying Feng with reassurance. “I saw the news about you. I’m glad you’re safe.”

He turned to Ling Xiao. “You might not remember me. I’m the priest here. We’ve met before.”

Ling Xiao, having no recollection, could only scratch his head. “I’d like to use the backyard for a bit.”

“Of course.” The priest stepped aside. “It’s a pity the time was too short; the acacia seeds you planted haven’t sprouted yet.”

Ying Feng took Ling Xiao to the backyard. The soil in the flowerbed seemed to have been recently tilled, probably for the Acacia seeds the priest mentioned.

“Why did you bring me here?”

Ying Feng glanced down at Ling Xiao, who was closely attached to him. “The effects of the soul crystal ended three minutes ago.”

Ling Xiao took a silent step back. “…Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Ying Feng took out a peach pit. “You’ve thrown it away once.”

Ling Xiao was stunned. After a while, he said, “How’s that possible?”

“It’s not true, it happened in a fantasy where desires were amplified. But because of that, I realized you’ve always had misgivings about it.”

Holding it before his eyes, Ying Feng said, “I always kept it because it’s something very important to me. But if it makes someone important to me unhappy, between things and people, I choose the latter.”

When Ling Xiao heard the words “someone important”, he felt a twinge in his heart but tried to suppress it. To be considered important by Ying Feng felt like winning a jackpot without ever buying a lottery ticket.

“Actually, the one with amnesia is you, right? The Ying Feng I know wouldn’t say things like this.”

Ying Feng slightly leaned in, his hand on the back of Ling Xiao’s neck, their eyes met. “Because the Ling Xiao I know isn’t like this now—without a smile, tangled up because of a self-imagined misunderstanding, with no hope in his eyes.”

Ling Xiao was captivated by this version of Ying Feng, unable to shift his gaze. “Since your misunderstanding can’t be cleared up, let’s get rid of the root of it, and put an end to your wild thoughts.”

Ying Feng took a shovel and dug a hole under a tree in the backyard. He held the peach pit for the last time.

I don’t know who you are, but I’m grateful for your companionship in my previous life.

He looked at Ling Xiao affectionately.

I already have someone by my side in this life, and I hope everything is well with you.

He carefully placed the peach pit at the bottom of the hole and meticulously filled it back with the excavated soil. Ling Xiao stood by and watched the entire process without saying a word.

After everything was done, Ying Feng set down the shovel. “If you have any unresolved feelings, let’s address them one by one.”

Ling Xiao’s eyes shimmered. “How do you expect me to accept this? Just the day before, I lost my best friend, became a Qizi, was humiliated by…someone, and lost the will to live. When I woke up, Doctor Yao was gone, the professor was gone, and even the principal had left. My life feels like it’s hit rock bottom, and it can’t get any lower.”

“But right after that, someone stepped forward, claiming to be my new friend. I’m attending the best military academy, have the car of my dreams, and even you… All of this seems so unreal, like a mountain peak in the clouds, too far away for me to see clearly or climb up to.”

Ying Feng reached out with his long arm and embraced Ling Xiao once again. This time, Ling Xiao only stiffened momentarily but didn’t resist.

“But as long as you are willing to climb, no matter how long it takes, even if you stop along the way, I will be waiting for you at the peak.”

After a while, the person in his arms mumbled, “If you return to dig it up, you’re a dog*.”

*Clarity: He’s using slang. Basically, he’s saying if you come back and dig up (the peach pit), you’re just a dog (filthy cheating liar).

The familiar Ling Xiao was back, and Ying Feng found it somewhat amusing.

“Alright.”

By the time they returned to Royal Sky, the sky had darkened. As the sun set, Ling Xiao’s uneasiness grew.

“Don’t worry, your dangerous phase has long passed. It’s just your psychological factors playing tricks now,” Ying Feng reassured him.

Ling Xiao sat on the edge of the bed, hugging his arms. Even though he knew what Ying Feng said was true, it was hard to shake off the psychological illusion.

“It’s easy for you to say. Why don’t you try it?”

Ying Feng sat in front of him and encircled him with an arm. “It’s okay. I’m no longer the clueless Qizhu from before. I have experience dealing with the dangerous phase.”

As Ying Feng’s face drew closer, Ling Xiao began to wonder what kind of “experience” he was referring to.

“Wait!” Ling Xiao stopped him. Even if he was ready to accept Ying Feng, it didn’t mean he was ready for such intimate contact.

“Didn’t you say you’d wait patiently for me at the peak?”

“But I also need to make sure you’re healthy enough to make the climb.”

Ling Xiao realized he had underestimated the current Ying Feng. He couldn’t oppose him in terms of strength, was completely overpowered in terms of authority, and now couldn’t even out-talk him.

“How have you become so articulate now?”

“Perhaps it’s ‘proximity to vermillion makes one red*’,” Ying Feng quipped.

*The full idiom is: The one close to vermillion is red, the one close to ink is black. (近朱者赤，近墨者黑) It refers to being close to good people can make people good (red) while being close to bad people can make one bad (black).

“I prefer when you were more reserved and spoke less.”

Ying Feng had already leaned in and, following the last word, playfully kissed Ling Xiao before letting go.

“Mm, less talk, more action. I like that.”

Ling Xiao suddenly realized he was being pinned down. “Hey! Are you serious?”

Ying Feng began unbuttoning Ling Xiao’s shirt. “We have an agreement. You can’t resist.”

“The agreement is off!”

“Oh, then resist.”

Ling Xiao: …

Hearing Ying Feng say that, he didn’t know how to react. While he was hesitating, Ying Feng had skillfully removed the barriers on his body.

“Do you remember what I told you?” With a look of bewilderment, Ling Xiao listened as Ying Feng whispered, “Your memory might be suppressed, but your body remembers, just like this…”

He opened his mouth and gently bit Ling Xiao’s ear. The person beneath him shuddered as if paralyzed.

This feeling was amazing. Just the level of contact made his waist and entire body soft. Not to mention resistance, he didn’t even have the strength to move.

“Look, that’s it.” Ying Feng’s breath came in. “You are very sensitive here, as long as you hold it like this, you will be weak all over.””

He rubbed the tips of his teeth on Ling Xiao’s earlobe carefully, but unfortunately, the emotional value wasn’t enough for him to release. Otherwise, he could be sent directly to heaven.

Ling Xiao closed his eyes and felt the teasing from his ears. After a while, Ying Feng’s warmth left there and pecked all the way to his lips. The place he passed by was like gently tapping ripples on the calm water with his fingertips, and a moment of contact was spreading out far.

“Even if everyone can lie, your body will not lie to you. Just like when I kissed you, you responded more enthusiastically than me every time.”

Ling Xiao felt his tongue sticking in, and he originally hid twice, but soon felt as if he had suffered a loss, and he launched a counterattack not to be outdone. The two licked each other, drew on each other, and teased flexibly from the tip of their tongues to the root. They didn’t know who was active and who was passive. Ling Xiao’s head slightly left the pillow and turned from one side to the other. Ying Feng also cooperated with him to change his position. This kind of tacit understanding could never be cultivated overnight.

When the kiss was getting thick, Ying Feng forcibly pulled away from him. Because of his reluctance, a long silver thread formed at the corner of Ling Xiao’s mouth. He gasped as oxygen returned to his brain before he realized what he had just done. 

Ying Feng stroked Ling Xiao’s cheek, which was panting heavily. “But every time I have to forcibly terminate, because you never know how to breathe, I’m really afraid that if you keep kissing like this, you will suffocate yourself to death.”

Ling Xiao’s mouth hardened, and he refused to admit. “I…don’t…know…you’re just bullying me… amnesia nonsense…”

“Really, then I’ll help you recall it again.” Ying Feng touched his palm down his neck, and the skin everywhere he went was like an electric shock. The infinite pleasure that the Qizhu brought to the Qizi wasn’t limited to the time of union. Even a slight touch was enough to cause a shudder.

His hand came to the other’s chest. “When I touch you, you will bite your lip.”

The powerful pleasure hit, and the groan was almost blurted out. Ling Xiao didn’t want to clench his lips immediately, intending to stop his shameful behavior.

Ying Feng’s fingers crossed between his abdomen. “When I come here, you will straighten your waist.”

If there was nothing to touch, it caused dissatisfaction in desire, and Ling Xiao subconsciously raised his waist to cater to Ying Feng’s movements.

Ying Feng raised Ling Xiao’s right leg, turned his head and kissed his knee lightly. “Even here is your sensitive place. I know better than you where you are sensitive and how you will react.””

Ling Xiao’s toes tightened involuntarily. His ankles were held by Ying Feng in the palm of his hand, and his privates were exposed to the naked eye. He could only raise his arms and cover his eyes like an ostrich.

But Ying Feng still didn’t stop. “But if I touch here, you will say, Ying Feng, you…”

“…big pervert! Nn…”

Ying Feng leaned down, continuing his actions, and solemnly placed a kiss on Ling Xiao’s blushing lips.

“It’s too tiring to climb the mountain alone. Let me accompany you for a while.”

……

Ling Xiao slept deeply until broad daylight; the “dangerous period” didn’t affect him at all. In his dream, he heard Ying Feng’s voice calling him in his mind.

Ling Xiao, Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao waved his hand in annoyance. “Let me sleep a little longer.”

After saying that, he turned over, hugged the pillow, and drifted back into a dream. Ying Feng, hovering above him, smiled faintly and silently withdrew from the mental connection.

Emotion value of one star achieved.

———

The content below is a small theater that is unrelated to the main story.

———

Ling Xiao was shocked because something bizarre had happened to him.

He gave birth to a ferret.

Not a metaphorical monkey, T-Rex, or orangutan, but an actual ferret. One night, he dreamt of a ferret. When he woke up the next morning, a fluffy white animal was obediently lying at the head of his bed. Even though he didn’t remember the process, he was sure that this ferret was his offspring.

Just as he was clueless about what to do, Ying Feng, who had been out, entered the room.

“This, uh, it’s not what it looks like. Let me explain.” Ling Xiao stumbled over his words, standing protectively in front of the ferret. He thought, ‘I’m a monkey and Ying Feng is a T-Rex—how can our child be a ferret?’

Ying Feng, holding a large bag, looked at him in surprise. “What are you trying to explain? Is it urgent? If not, let’s feed Hong Chou first. He must be hungry after so long.”

Ling Xiao blinked. “…Who?”

“Hong Chou.” Ying Feng pointed behind him. “He came to me in a dream last night and told me his name.”

“But don’t you find it odd that there’s suddenly a ferret in our home?” Ling Xiao asked.

“Why would it be odd? We didn’t take any preventive measures.”

“Preven…” Ling Xiao choked. “We are Tianxiu people! Not having offspring is our norm!”

“Is it?” Ying Feng seemed unfazed. “Congratulations on being the first of our kind to reproduce.”

Ying Feng actually went to prepare milk formula. Ling Xiao, in disbelief, followed him. “Don’t you think this is absurd? Even if some mystical force tampered with my reproductive system, how can two primates produce a ferret? My memories tell me he’s my son, but my logic tells me it’s impossible!”

“You might be overwhelmed with being a mother for the first time. Maybe you need rest.” Ying Feng gently pushed Ling Xiao onto the bed. “I’ll take care of the baby. You just relax.”

“……”

Hong Chou, eyes barely open, struggled to crawl over. He sniffed the air, recognized the scent of family, and, without any teeth, bit Ling Xiao’s finger.

Ling Xiao was conflicted: What should I do? This is kind of cute…

But to admit this thing as his son, he needed a mental adjustment.

Ying Feng replaced Ling Xiao’s finger with a pacifier. Watching Ying Feng skillfully feed Hong Chou, Ling Xiao realized another anomaly.

“Where did you get these baby items?”

“From a maternity and baby store.”

“…We are in Tianxiu. Why would there be such a store?”

“Well, it’s downstairs, and all they sell are specialty products for baby ferrets.”

“That’s clearly a pet store!”

(To be continued…maybe)

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

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Chapter 95

A familiar shade of yellow came from the horizon, circling overhead and then landing on the ground. Two people jumped out of the Flying Shark and ran nervously towards Ying Feng.

“Ying Feng!” Yu Ji sighed with relief upon seeing him alive. “When the news came out, I knew you’d be okay.”

“How did you find this place?” Ying Feng had already surveyed the surroundings. It was desolate, and his device had disappeared, making contact with the outside world impossible. The fact that Yu Ji and the others could come in the Flying Shark meant they had met Ling Xiao and obtained the vehicle key. But why hadn’t he come himself? Could it be…

“Did something happen to Ling Xiao?”

“No,” Yu Ji hurriedly denied. “He stayed in the dormitory. We found you by following this.”

Yu Ji extended a finger, and a fluttering bug landed on it.

“I found this on Ling Xiao’s pet. You put it there, right?”

Ying Feng plucked a similar bug from his shoulder. This was a mechanical bug summoned from a soul crystal. They came in pairs, male and female, specifically used for tracking. Ying Feng had secretly placed the female bug in Xiao Hui’s fur, hoping someone would find him through it. With a flick, the two bugs met in the air and vanished with a pop.

“Sure enough,” Yu Ji said, dialing a rescue number. “We need to notify the military that you’re alive. Things outside have turned upside down.”

“Can you get up?” Shuang Feng walked over, extending a hand. With his help, Ying Feng stood up. Ling Xiao had done everything to pull him back from the brink of death. Though not fully healed, he could move without issue.

The military arrived quickly, led by none other than Long Yin. Upon seeing the living Ying Feng, he raised an eyebrow suggestively.

“I’m really glad you’re alive. The flowers you’ve received could fill the entire Royal Sky.”

He examined Ying Feng closely. “What happened? Who saved you?”

Ying Feng hesitated, which was rare. “The one who saved me… was Ling Xiao.”

Everyone present looked surprised, apparently questioning the truth of his statement.

Long Yin turned to summon their medic. “Check him out.”

The medic quickly used a soul crystal to examine Ying Feng from head to toe. “Someone indeed used a healing soul crystal for emergency treatment within the past hour. Judging by his current injuries, he was gravely hurt. Had he not received treatment in time, he would have died.”

Long Yin grunted. “What else?”

The medic scanned Ying Feng’s brain. “He was given a hallucinogen. This drug can induce long-term unconsciousness and hallucinations. So, any odd thoughts are possible.”

Upon hearing “hallucinogen”, both Yu Ji and Shuang Feng paled. They had only consumed alcohol with hallucinogenic properties and faced serious consequences. Ying Feng, having been directly injected with the substance, must have experienced even more vivid hallucinations.

“It’s impossible,” Ying Feng firmly denied. “It couldn’t have been a hallucination.”

Ling Xiao truly appeared. The embrace and his warmth clearly indicated it wasn’t a dream.

Long Yin shook his head, apparently no longer considering Ying Feng’s testimony. He surveyed the surroundings: a ship wreckage bearing three flame emblems and the bodies of the Huoxiu Star people. An explosion had clearly occurred. But why?

“The pilot said there were four ships ambushing him, and Fu Yao also pursued four. What about this extra one?”

“Perhaps they created the illusion of four ships. In reality, there were five. The other four were merely distractions. This one was the real ship transporting Ying Feng. It’s surprising that the Huoxiu Star Independent Army would be so cunning.”

Long Yin looked appreciatively at the speaker.

“What’s your name?”

Shuang Feng met Long Yin’s gaze, confirming he was being addressed. “Shuang Feng. I’m Ying Feng’s classmate.”

Long Yin nodded approvingly. “So, why did the fifth ship stay here and not leave?”

“When we found out someone was kidnapped, we’d pursue. Leaving at that point would risk being chased. I speculate the Huoxiu Star people believed we would divert attention, thinking the hostage had perished, then transport Ying Feng later. The anesthesia had limited duration, hence the addition of the hallucinogen. But they never expected their meticulous plan to be thwarted. However, who saved Ying Feng, and why did they leave after doing so?” These were the only questions Shuang Feng couldn’t understand.

“You managed to find this place and make a logical analysis. Royal Sky didn’t nurture you in vain.” Long Yin looked at each of the three students. “Regardless of whether anyone was sacrificed in this incident, Huoxiu Star’s provocation is a fact, and we won’t let it go.”

He glanced contemptuously at the corpses on the ground. “I should really thank you for your foolish actions. It gave us the best reason to launch an expedition. We gained the support of all the people without losing a single soldier, silencing those who wanted to give up. Nothing could be more perfect than this.”

He waved. “Take them to the medical station.”

“I want to go back to Royal Sky,” Ying Feng refused.

“You want to go back to Royal Sky looking like this?” Long Yin pointed at his tattered uniform. “Don’t you want your hand anymore?”

The medic spoke up at the right moment. “You’ve been injured in multiple places from the explosion, especially your right arm, which is severely injured. First aid won’t suffice; you need to be treated in a medical pod.”

Left with no choice, Ying Feng proceeded to the medical station accompanied by Yu Ji and the others.

Of course, Red Head received the news on his end. “Ying Feng was found? He’s still alive? That’s great!”

He excitedly shouted at Ling Xiao. “Ying Feng is alive. You don’t have to worry anymore!”

Ling Xiao’s expression changed slightly. Either he genuinely didn’t care about Ying Feng’s life or death, or he was very good at hiding his feelings. Red Head was confused; the Ling Xiao before him was so different from the one he knew. It was like they were two different people. What had happened to him before they met?

For the impatient Red Head, waiting for Ying Feng’s return seemed endless. He tried to recall all the past events, even moving himself with the stories. But to Ling Xiao, it felt like listening to someone else’s story, showing no emotion.

“…At that time, we were flying the Flying Shark, drawing a heart shape over Royal Sky’s playground. Ying Feng was so moved he almost cried.” Red Head demonstrated passionately, wishing he could recreate the scene.

“Drawing a heart shape? Me? Why?”

“To confess to Ying Feng. You said you both had been intimate and had kissed; all that was left was a confession.” Red Head wiggled his arms, making a motion of flowing with and against the current. “Look, everyone else did this. Only the two of you did that.”

“I confessed to Ying Feng?” Ling Xiao rarely laughed, but it was a cold laugh, clearly not believing a word of what Red Head said.

“It’s true!” Red Head said anxiously. “How would I know if you hadn’t told me? It was my idea to… Oh! Ying Feng likes strawberries, which is why he likes pink, right? You said that, how can you not remember?”

“Leave him be,” Bing Can interjected. “If you can’t remember me or only remember the bad parts about me, no matter what others say about your liking me, you won’t accept it in a short time, right?”

Red Head retorted, “How could I forget you? And in my memory, there’s nothing bad about you. Even if I did forget, seeing you again would make me fall for you all over again!”

He held his head high with an air of confidence.

“You two are so close,” Ling Xiao, who had been watching, finally said.

“Of course,” Red Head said proudly. “During our entrance exam, our relationship score was nine stars!”

“What about Ying Feng and me?”

“You two…” Red Head hesitated. “Three stars… but it’s okay. The couple you saw earlier only had two stars. You can still mock others.”

Three stars? This was way beyond Ling Xiao’s expectations.

“Ah.” Red Head received a message from Yu Ji. “They’re back!”

Before Ying Feng reached the dormitory door, he spotted two soldiers standing outside, probably sent by Long Yin to protect Ling Xiao. Classmates, hearing of his return, came to greet him. Even those who usually avoided him due to his cold demeanor showed genuine concern. After seeing almost all his classmates, he still hadn’t seen Ling Xiao. Considering Ling Xiao had recently given blood and was injured, Ying Feng wasn’t surprised.

Finally, back in the dorm, the person he missed was right there. The clothes and the color of his eyes all remained the same, just like the Ling Xiao he remembered. Was everything that happened earlier just an illusion?

But all of that didn’t matter anymore. Seeing Ling Xiao again, the overwhelming urge made Ying Feng step forward without hesitation, tightly embracing the man who seemed to be at a loss, just like how Ling Xiao did to him in his illusions.

Ling Xiao, caught off guard, found himself enveloped in an embrace. Upon realizing it was Ying Feng, who he had no memories of being close to, he stiffened completely.

Red Head took the chance, desperately winking at Yu Ji, mouthing: Does he know?

Yu Ji shook his head: No.

Red Head covered his eyes in despair. This was turning dramatic.

It took Ling Xiao a while to recover from his shock. Ying Feng didn’t receive the embrace he anticipated and was instead forcefully pushed away by Ling Xiao.

Only then did Ying Feng notice the look in Ling Xiao’s eyes—a mixture of hostility, wariness, and even hatred, as if looking at an enemy.

“What’s wrong?” Ying Feng was puzzled. They had narrowly avoided a permanent separation, yet instead of joy, there was only animosity. Did Ling Xiao blame him for leaving him behind?

“Ahem,” Red Head quickly pulled Ying Feng aside, murmuring in his ear.

“…That’s what happened.”

Ying Feng’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You mean he lost his memory?”

“Yes, and,” Red Head looked cautiously at Ling Xiao, “I had no idea your relationship was so complicated.”

Ying Feng, in disbelief, tried to grasp Ling Xiao’s hand, but Ling Xiao evasively avoided him. Using his mental power, Ying Feng tried to connect with him, but Ling Xiao showed no reaction.

Seeing his attempts fail, the others could guess what had just transpired.

Ying Feng closed his eyes, attempting to communicate mentally, but the voice he sent out echoed in an infinite void, without even an echo in return.

“How is it?” Bing Can looked at the dazed Ying Feng and asked gently.

Ying Feng gathered himself and said, “I can no longer communicate with him telepathically.”

The group exchanged worried glances. “Does that mean there’s not even a single star of affection left?”

“It seems so,” Ying Feng replied, eerily calm.

Everyone went silent, doubting the original intention of their pact.

“I have an idea!” Red Head suddenly exclaimed.

“What is it?”

Red Head gathered everyone and whispered, “Didn’t you two fall out because of something in the past? Since memories can only be erased and not restored, why not have scientists erase those memories too?”

Bing Can was the first to hit him on the head. “What a terrible idea.”

Red Head held his head in pain. “I’m just thinking about what’s best for them. If they can’t be in love, at least they won’t be at odds.”

Ying Feng also rejected his proposal. “There were unhappy moments between us, but whether they were good memories or bad, they are part of our history. He’s already lost so many shared memories. I don’t want him to lose more.”

He turned around, speaking slowly. “If he truly cannot remember, then we’ll start anew. It’s not like we haven’t started from zero stars before. We can do it again.”

Ling Xiao stared coldly, not understanding what he meant.

Red Head pointed at them. “The instructor said you need to reach seven stars of affection before the end of term. You don’t even have one star with only a few months left. If you can pass the exam like this, I’ll dye my hair for you to see!”

Though he made a promise, seeing Ling Xiao unwilling to be alone with Ying Feng, Red Head took him to “familiarize” with the campus, hoping to jog his memory.

Someone from the medical station returned Ying Feng’s belongings. From his tattered uniform pocket, Ying Feng took out the peach pit he had left behind.

Keeping it in his pocket was a habit without any purpose, as natural as breathing. Yet Ying Feng hadn’t expected that this cherished token would be so carelessly forgotten.

Looking at the peach pit in his hand, he suddenly remembered the words Ling Xiao left him with in that vivid illusion.

Could Ling Xiao have been referring to this pit? What did he want to say?

Ling Xiao was somewhat swayed by Red Head’s persuasive words. Could it really be, as he said, that his relationship with Ying Feng had improved?

Thinking of Ying Feng’s embrace, which felt genuinely heartfelt, for the first time since his amnesia, Ling Xiao began to doubt his own actions.

Back in the dormitory, the door to the bedroom was tightly closed. Ling Xiao’s hand lingered on the door handle, hesitant to take action.

Should he try to accept the reality and start over with Ying Feng?

After much hesitation, he finally made up his mind. He couldn’t live in the past; he needed to recover his lost memories.

Ling Xiao pushed the door open to find Ying Feng standing by the window, holding the keepsake left to him by his lover from the past life, looking at it thoughtfully.

The backlight softened the lines of his face, and at that moment, his expression looked tender and affectionate.

Ling Xiao’s face changed, and the determination he had just kindled was doused like a bucket of cold water.

Naturally, Ying Feng also noticed Ling Xiao and realized from his expression that he had misunderstood.

“Wait!” Ying Feng took a step forward.

In response, there was a loud bang. The door was slammed shut, and once again, he was left alone in the room.

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 94

Tai Yin shakily picked up Shang Yang’s dagger from the ground, almost dropping it several times.

This dagger was a gift from the bishop to Shang Yang for self-defense—who would have thought it would become the very tool to end his life.

The army’s most elite soldiers surrounded Tai Yin. Standing alone in the encirclement, he seemed to embody his current isolated state.

He was no longer the revered genius scientist nor the top-wanted criminal who left the military powerless. He was just a man who had lost his love.

Ling Xiao, unaware of how this impacted his own memories, simply found this stranger looking somewhat pitiable.

Fu Yao slowly raised his hand. “Kill him.”

At his command, the formation quickly shifted, with the fastest soldiers charging to the front. With such an onslaught, Tai Yin had no chance of survival.

A flying vehicle descended from the sky, its powerful air current halting the attackers.

The hatch popped open, and a man with the appearance of a youth but with black eyes appeared behind Tai Yin, extending his hand amidst the roaring engines.

“Let’s go!”

Recognizing the man’s face, Fu Yao was startled and quickly ordered, as he noticed his soldiers targeting the newcomer, “Cease fire!”

The soldiers, though unclear of Fu Yao’s intentions, ceased their firing.

Fei Jing?! Fuyao was shocked. A man missing for over a century—why would he suddenly appear here?

Ling Xiao was equally surprised. Why would Ying Feng appear here? And why rescue Tai Yin?

Before he could ponder more, someone pushed him aside. The principal rushed to the front, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on the newcomer.

Fei Jing sensed the stare and looked back. Their eyes met, and time seemed to stop.

Amidst the crowd, only the two of them remained clear, while everything else became a misty blur. Their eyes, with different colors, were proof of their past encounters.

Time started to move again. Forcing his gaze away from Ta Yun, Fei Jing urged Tai Yin again. “Hurry!”

Tai Yin remained motionless, ignoring Fei Jing’s words. Only Fu Yao noticed his hand.

The same ominous feeling from before flashed in his mind. When Tai Yin acted, he never showed any motion.

“Be careful!”

A massive explosion erupted, centered on Tai Yin. Thanks to Fu Yao’s warning, the soldiers at the forefront quickly retreated, but Fei Jing, being closest to Tai Yin, had no escape. Ling Xiao glimpsed the principal disappearing in the explosion’s core, a familiar silhouette fleetingly visible.

“Principal!”

Ling Xiao tried to rush forward but was held down by two soldiers. Another explosion forced him to turn his head away to avoid the aftermath. The area was engulfed in flames. Soldiers shielded the civilians, and Fu Yao’s elite squad erected a large protective barrier using soul crystals, containing the force of the explosion.

Just before the explosion, Fei Jing saw a flash, and the long-lost individual teleported in front of him, tackling him to the ground. Following were loud bangs, heat waves, and blazes. Inside the vehicle, temperatures soared.

Feeling the unmoving body atop him, Fei Jing carefully turned over Ta Yun, staring at him in disbelief. Amidst continuous explosions, Ta Yun slowly opened his eyes.

“After waiting so long, I wanted to say to you personally…”

Fei Jing’s grip tightened. The breath of the man in his arms was faint, but those words were clearly heard.

“I’m sorry.”

With Ta Yun’s inner conflict resolved, he felt an unprecedented sense of peace. His soul returned to its Qizhu. His body felt lighter, and a profound fatigue set in. How long had it been since he slept without the aid of drugs?

He felt Fei Jing’s embrace tightening. Such a comforting hold made his century-long wait worth it.

“I can finally have a good sleep…”

Fei Jing, holding the person in his arms, felt lost. Outside the cabin flashed a final blinding light. The massive explosion consumed everything. Tai Yin’s life tragically ended this way, but sadly, some no longer have another lifetime to accompany him.

“Principal!”

“Ta Yun!”

Two cries in unison came from Ling Xiao and Fu Yao. After the explosion finally ceased, the two men simultaneously dashed forward. Flames blocked their path, but Fu Yao didn’t hesitate. He clasped his hands together, and a chill emanated from his palms. This was the highest level of elemental soul crystal he could activate as a physical arts user. Apart from high mental energy consumption, it could also cause physical harm.

Ling Xiao watched in amazement as the flames before them solidified into ice, preserving their last fiery stance. Once Fu Yao withdrew his hands, the inferno transformed into a frozen wasteland.

Braving the intense cold, Ling Xiao followed Fu Yao. The aircraft meant to save Tai Yin was frozen as well. Icicles of varying lengths hung on its exterior. Fu Yao, using rapid teleportation dashes, soon left Ling Xiao far behind.

“Ta Yun! Fei Jing!” He forcefully shattered the layer of ice blocking the entrance, leapt inside, and then suddenly froze in his actions. A while later, Ling Xiao also entered but similarly halted in his tracks. The interior of the aircraft was severely damaged, filled with wreckage, and void of any human presence.

He felt drained. Ever since waking up in the medical station and being told his memories were erased, familiar faces had been vanishing from his life one after another. Now even the last, the principal, was gone.

Fu Yao turned and saw the blank expression on Ling Xiao’s face, as if he himself was invisible to him. He placed a hand on Ling Xiao’s shoulder. Seeing Ling Xiao’s still bewildered look, he remembered that in Ling Xiao’s memories, he didn’t exist either.

“That wasn’t Ying Feng; he just looked similar. Without relics and without a trace of their souls, perhaps they just left,” Fu Yao murmured, attempting to console both Ling Xiao and himself.

Ling Xiao looked down. The news had described Ying Feng with those same words. But who really believed he merely departed?

The two soldiers responsible for guarding Ling Xiao still stood diligently outside. Fu Yao recognized them as being from Long Yin’s team.

As he passed them, Fu Yao whispered, “Take him back. He shouldn’t stay here.”

The soldiers saluted him, then escorted the seemingly petrified Ling Xiao away. Ling Xiao let them lead him wherever they desired, without any objections.

Nie Yun approached Fu Yao. “The Burning Shadow is ready. Do you want to wait until everything here is settled before leaving?”

Fu Yao shook his head. There would be others to handle the aftermath here. A more critical mission awaited him.

“Let’s go.”

……

Ling Xiao was taken away, but instead of being taken to the medical station, he was returned to his own dormitory in Royal Sky. It was unclear how Long Yin’s plans had changed.

The door was opened for him by the people who escorted him. Ling Xiao looked at the door he had never seen before, opened with his own card, revealing an entirely unfamiliar space. Despite all that had transpired, he still struggled to believe that he had been living here with Ying Feng for several months.

Stepping into the dormitory, Ling Xiao examined the place with confusion. The living room was filled with game terminals and starship models he liked, and there was a carefully arranged doghouse in the corner.

People from the medical station arrived, carrying a cage. Ling Xiao opened the cage and took out Xiao Hui, then glanced at the doghouse in the corner. More and more clues formed a web, each node representing his past, so real that doubt seemed impossible.

Red Head, Yu Ji, and the others got the news and hurried over, carefully surrounding Ling Xiao.

“You are a first-year student of the Royal Sky Joint Combat Division. Everyone here is your classmate. You and I are very, very close friends. Even if you forget my name, it’s okay, because you never remembered it before and always just called me Red Head.”

“Red Head?” Ling Xiao looked at his hair. If he met him again, he’d probably still call him that. It really didn’t sound like a lie.

“Yes, this is my Qizhu Bing Can. Over there are Yu Ji and Shuang Feng. We are all good friends.”

Ling Xiao, who had thought he was all alone, was suddenly surrounded by so many “good friends” and struggled to adjust.

Using the excuse of examining the dormitory, he avoided their gaze, holding Xiao Hui and moving from the living room to the bedroom. The double bed reminded him of the nights he’d spent sleeplessly curled up in a corner. To him, the self-initiated indulgence felt like it had just happened yesterday. A sudden thought struck Ling Xiao, and he handed Xiao Hui to someone nearby, frantically searching the room. Red Head and the others looked puzzled. “What are you looking for? Do you need our help?”

Ling Xiao ignored the question, and after turning the room upside down, he finally found a black box under the bed. Opening the box, everything inside remained untouched.

“What is it?” Red Head curiously tried to look, but Ling Xiao quickly turned the box away, holding it protectively. Realizing he might have crossed a boundary, Red Head awkwardly smiled. “Sorry.”

Yu Ji, holding Xiao Hui, had an affinity for animals from long interactions with various creatures, so Xiao Hui didn’t resist his embrace. From the beginning, he had been trying to determine what species this suddenly introduced creature belonged to. During his examination, he unexpectedly found a foreign object in its fur.

Using two fingers, he pinched what looked like a flea and held it up to the light.

“What is this?”

……

At the onset of the explosion, Ying Feng instinctively protected the person in his arms, holding on tightly until the deafening noise ceased. Only then did he see the face of the person he was holding.

“Congratulations, you’ve made your choice.”

He turned and saw Ling Xing standing not far away, smiling at him. His left hand was empty, but his right hand was still tightly held onto Ling Xiao.

“In the face of danger, you chose to bear the pain and not let go. Isn’t that the choice you’ve made in this life? See, making such a choice isn’t difficult, is it?”

Ling Xing lifted his hand, and another person took it. Ying Feng glanced aside and saw the person beside him was Jing Yu.

“I naturally have someone by my side. You don’t have to worry about me. But someone is worried about you. You should wake up too.”

Having said that, Ling Xing and Jing Yu walked away hand in hand. Ying Feng watched their retreating figures until they disappeared into specks of light. The white dots gradually expanded, overtaking his vision. A familiar voice incessantly called his name, and Ying Feng slowly opened his eyes.

The first thing he saw was Ling Xiao. Ling Xiao’s hands emanated a white orb of light, clearly using a healing soul crystal on him.

Ying Feng’s mind was still foggy. His gaze shifted from Ling Xiao’s unfamiliar attire to his hands. It took him a moment to realize that the glow from the soul crystal, being so intense, was at least level seven. This was the highest level Ling Xiao, not specializing in mental abilities, could activate.

But when had Ling Xiao obtained such potent mental power?

Ying Feng’s body was rapidly healing, and soon he had the strength to sit up. However, Ling Xiao, evidently drained of his mental power, looked exhausted.

Nevertheless, upon seeing Ying Feng unharmed, he grinned, spreading his arms and giving Ying Feng a big hug.

Ying Feng found himself enveloped in the embrace, feeling a sense of reunion after a long separation. What was happening?

When Ling Xiao finally released him and sat back down, Ying Feng noticed Ling Xiao’s crescent-shaped, smiling eyes.

He exclaimed, “Your eyes…”

But before he could finish, he noticed something even more startling.

“Your body?”

Upon Ying Feng’s words, Ling Xiao also noticed the change in his own body. He looked down in astonishment at his hands, which were becoming increasingly transparent. Ying Feng could now see through him, observing the wreckage of a spaceship and unidentified bodies behind him.

If there were no specks of light around, Ying Feng might have thought it was a sign of death.

Ling Xiao’s gaze returned to him, and as if recalling something important, he blurted out:

“Ying Feng, the peach pit is…”

His voice abruptly ceased, and before Ying Feng’s eyes, there was nothing. Everything that had just occurred seemed like a self-induced illusion, with no evidence to suggest Ling Xiao had been there.

The dream he had while unconscious was no longer clear. It felt as if someone wanted him to make a choice, but what that choice was and what he ultimately decided remained trapped in that dream.

However, Ling Xiao’s brief appearance and the words he left behind were vivid in his memory.

What is the peach pit? What does the peach pit mean?

---

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

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.

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 92

Last time, that unpopular officer came again, and this time he brought a stranger. The stranger looked at Ling Xiao with a peculiar gaze, as if Ling Xiao owed him a lot of money.

“I’m sorry, truly sorry.”

He kept repeating these words as soon as he arrived, which left Ling Xiao bewildered.

“Who are you? I don’t know you.”

“I am someone who is ashamed to face you. I owe you, and even more so, Ying Feng.”

Ling Xiao became even more puzzled. What did this have to do with Ying Feng?

“Let him rest.” Long Yin forcibly took Heng He out. “It’s not the time for him to remember you yet.”

Heng He had deeply regretted upon hearing the news about Ying Feng. Seeing Ling Xiao’s current state, he wished he could die in Ying Feng’s stead.

However, Long Yin calmly said, “Given his current condition, when can we resume the experiment?”

Heng He was stunned. “The experiment… Are we still continuing?”

“Why not?” Long Yin retorted, “Since Tai Yin took great pains to tell us the method to revive Yue Ying, we must make the most of it. How can we waste his effort? This is your chance to atone for your faults. If the experiment succeeds, the military will not hold you accountable for your negligence.”

“But Ling Xiao is in this state right now…”

“That’s what I’m asking you. What impact will Ying Feng’s accident have on him?”

After thinking for a moment, Heng He replied, “Ling Xiao has mild psychological damage. It’s not a concern within a month, but after that, he will gradually develop insomnia. Those with weak willpower usually need medication to sleep. The biggest issue is that Ling Xiao can’t take any drugs, or it will affect his blood.”

“How long, given our current progress, until we have enough blood samples?”

“That… roughly eight to nine months.”

“So, he needs to overcome seven to eight months of insomnia solely by willpower. How can a future soldier not be able to do this?” Long Yin decisively commanded, “Once his ‘danger period’ is over, the experiment must continue without delay.”

“But he has lost his previous memories.”

“He doesn’t need them. Have you forgotten how unusual he acted after seeing Yue Ying? Just let him see him again, and I believe his decision won’t change.”

“But Ying Feng is gone. There’s no one to take care of him after the blood draw.”

“Why not let him stay at the Genetics Center? Can’t you take care of him? If needed, he can even take a leave from school. The people of Huoxiu Star are getting bolder. If there’s a second time, there’ll be a third. Without severing the soul traction, we can never truly subdue them. Someone else like Ying Feng will emerge. Personal interests mean nothing in the face of such national concerns.”

With such unwavering determination and irrefutable reasoning, Heng He, though reluctant, could only agree.

The bishop set down his terminal with a heavy heart, foreseeing the inevitable war. Countless would lose their lives: soldiers of Tianxiu would die, and the people of Huoxiu Star would pay dearly for their actions.

“Lord Bishop,” a gentle voice softly said.

“Shang Yang?” The bishop was surprised. “What is it?”

“I heard about Ling Xiao. I want to see him. Can I?”

The bishop immediately refused. “Given Tai Yin’s involvement, it’s too dangerous. Tai Yin’s primary target is you, and we don’t know his whereabouts.”

“Because of Tai Yin’s involvement, I have to see him. This all started because of me. If I hadn’t been saved, they wouldn’t have become enemies with Tai Yin. Ying Feng wouldn’t have had an accident, and Ling Xiao wouldn’t be like this.”

“But in his current memory, you don’t exist.”

“I know, but he exists in mine. I can’t watch them suffer while I hide here.” Shang Yang pleaded, “I need to apologize in person. Please let me see him, just once.”

The bishop reluctantly agreed. “I’ll accompany you, and the marshal will provide protection. No matter what, you can’t get into any more trouble, or all their efforts would be in vain.”

Shang Yang nodded. “I understand.”

Another group of strangers arrived at the medical station. Unlike the unlikable officer and the baffling apologetic man, this group felt familiar and comforting. Among them was a young one.

“This is the bishop,” someone introduced to Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao was surprised that the bishop would visit him but greeted him politely.

“Hello, Lord Bishop. And who is this?”

“Ling Xiao,” Shang Yang began, but choked up, unable to say the words he had prepared.

“Do you know me?” Ling Xiao looked puzzled. “Are you a student of Bikong?”

Shang Yang shook his head. “I am Shang Yang.”

“Shang Yang,” Ling Xiao whispered; the name seemed familiar from somewhere.

“But why are you here? Why have so many people come to see me today, and yet I don’t recognize any of them? Why does everyone look apologetic, as if I’ve done something wrong?”

“Ling Xiao.” Shang Yang took his hand. “Even if you don’t remember, you saved my life. I’m forever grateful to you, and I envy you because your relationship with Ying Feng is so strong…”

“My relationship with Ying Feng is strong?” Ling Xiao interrupted him. “Are you mistaken? How could I possibly have a good relationship with him?”

“No, I’ve seen you two together. It’s because of you two that I regained faith in love. For you, he was even willing to give up his life.”

Ling Xiao coldly pulled his hand away. “I think you must have confused me with someone else.”

Without looking back, he turned and left. Shang Yang tried to follow and deny it, but was stopped by the bishop, who silently shook his head.

“But,” Shang Yang lowered his head, tears brimming. “Their relationship wasn’t cold. Even if he doesn’t remember, I hope his memory isn’t stuck in that era.”

“For him, it might be a blessing. Losing a loved one can be more painful than losing an enemy.”

A new visitor arrived, and Ling Xiao finally reacted differently.

“Principal, you’re finally here. Are you here to pick me up? I don’t want to stay here anymore.”

The principal examined him from head to toe. It seemed that Ling Xiao hadn’t realized he had grown taller. Or maybe he had but didn’t want to acknowledge it.

“Principal, I didn’t try to end my life. I accidentally fell. Can you explain to these people and let me out?”

The principal realized that Ling Xiao’s memory stopped at that point. The last time he had relied on the Disease Control Center to give Ling Xiao hope, but was it necessary now?

The principal didn’t answer, and Ling Xiao looked behind him. “Where’s Dr. Yao? Why didn’t she come? Is she mad at me? I need to explain to her.”

“Dr. Yao… won’t be coming,” the principal began cautiously.

“Why?” Ling Xiao was taken aback. “Is she that disappointed in me?”

Hesitating, the principal turned on the hospital room’s TV.

“What are you doing?” The bishop asked, puzzled.

“He has a right to know the truth,” the principal replied. “He will find out eventually. You can’t keep him in the dark forever.”

The news was broadcasting.

“…Assistant researcher Yu Quan was formally arrested by the military today. He was charged with treason and intentional homicide. An anonymous tip revealed he had close ties with the military’s most-wanted criminal, Tai Yin, and is suspected of plotting the murder of the former chief researcher, Zhi Shang, and security personnel He Gui. The military court will soon hold a hearing on this case…”

“What a joke,” Ling Xiao finally said. “What do they mean by the ‘former chief researcher Zhi Shang’? Dr. Zhi couldn’t be dead. And what’s this about ‘former’? I just saw him recently.”

“And isn’t this Yu Quan Dr. Zhi’s junior? How could he report his own mentor to the military and now be colluding with him? This has to be a lie.”

Ling Xiao’s gaze darted between their faces, hoping someone would confirm his version.

Unfortunately, except for Shang Yang’s puzzled expression, no one spoke.

“Principal.” Ling Xiao’s tone grew serious. “What’s really going on?”

The principal calmly replied, “It’s as you saw. Dr. Zhi Shang has been murdered. He had reincarnated months ago, when you graduated from Bikong and entered the Royal Sky Military Academy.”

The news hit Ling Xiao like a bolt from the blue. “What about Dr. Yao? Did she know about this?”

“She also followed Dr. Zhi in reincarnation. You were the one who personally sent her off.”

Ling Xiao sat down, stunned. After a while, he muttered, “I don’t believe this. You must be playing a trick on me because I tried to end my life. Well, you’ve won. I won’t try again. You don’t have to put on this act anymore.”

“No one’s acting,” the bishop said. “Every person here you’ve met. You saved Shang Yang from space. He’s the reincarnation of Tai Yin’s Qizi. After his revival, he was imprisoned by Tai Yin until he met you. To save him, you made an enemy of Tai Yin. He used a special method to erase your memories, making you believe you were still in your coming-of-age ceremony. In reality, you were already studying at the Royal Sky Military Academy and were honored for your outstanding contributions. The marshal even awarded you personally. I was there.”

Ling Xiao looked bewildered, as if he was listening to someone else’s story.

“I know it’s hard for you to accept all this at once, but I hope you know that both you and your Qizhu, Ying Feng, are heroes of Tianxiu and the pride of the nation. Not just Shang Yang, but everyone will always be grateful to you.”

Ling Xiao’s gaze landed on Shang Yang. “Shang Yang?”

Shang Yang hurriedly replied, “It’s me. I hid in the escape pod and escaped from Tai Yin. If not for you, my soul would have long been scattered, and I wouldn’t be standing here intact.”

Ling Xiao finally understood why the name sounded familiar. He had seen the same name on Tai Yin’s computer. It turned out he was the abducted fledgling.

The bishop gently reminded him, “If you have any questions, you can ask them all at once, and we will answer you without reservation.”

“You said… Ying Feng and I… were together?”

“Yes,” the bishop nodded.

“Then… where is Ying Feng?”

Everyone remained silent. Saying you would answer without reservation was easier said than done, but how did one truly respond when the question was raised?

Ling Xiao stepped back, retreating into a corner. Still feeling unsafe, he pulled Xiao Hui close, hugging him to mask his inner turmoil.

The pity in the eyes of the others made him uneasy and being the center of attention made it even harder for him to think clearly.

“I need some quiet time. Please leave me alone for a while.”

The crowd, having no other option, left.

“Do you want to stay here?” The bishop wanted to take Shang Yang away but noticed the principal standing outside and asked.

“Yes, I want to stay and accompany him a little longer.”

“That’s good. After all, among the people he remembers, you are the only one who can be here.”

“Look, you’ve found the person you were looking for.” Somewhere far away, Xing Lou and Tai Yin were watching everything on a screen. The military had completely isolated Shang Yang, and it wasn’t easy to find him.

“What do you plan to do next?” asked Xing Lou. “But the military detained your student as a suspect. Don’t you care? He’s your last student.”

“Such a traitor is better gone,” Tai Yin replied with his hands behind his back. “I just underestimated the military’s stupidity. They actually believed he did everything.”

He watched Shang Yang’s every move intently. “But this has done me a favor. I should be grateful to them. Next, all we need to do is wait patiently.”

Near the medical station, there was a small church. Shang Yang followed the bishop and had already joined the church as a believer. Passing by the church, he wanted to pray.

“You can pray in our church. Why do you want to do it here?”

“This is the closest to Ling Xiao. I want to pray for God’s blessings for him and hope he recovers his memory soon.”

Thinking of Ling Xiao, the bishop looked somber. “Alright then.”

They entered the church together, and Shang Yang knelt in front of the statue, praying devoutly for Ling Xiao.

“Lord Bishop, do you think God will hear my prayer?”

“Of course. No matter where you pray, God will hear you.”

Shang Yang stood up. “Since I’m here, I’d like to confess. Just give me a few minutes.”

“Okay,” the bishop nodded in agreement.

He waited in front of the statue, with soldiers from the marshal standing in two straight lines.

Time passed, and Shang Yang showed no signs of coming out.

The bishop approached the confession room. “Shang Yang, are you done?”

There was no response.

Feeling something was amiss, he forcefully opened the wooden door.

There was no one inside.

Shang Yang was gone.

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 91

Three people were entangled here, but the people around them acted as if nothing had happened. In this space, there was no existence of Ying Feng and, naturally, no Ling Xiao. Even the Ling Xing in front of them was an illusion.

But in illusions, there was reality. A sharp pain hit, and Ying Feng remembered he was wounded. The pain grew worse. His right arm felt as if it weighed a ton, and he could barely muster any strength in his hand.

His vision began to blur, and white fog filled his sight. He couldn’t distinguish who was talking to him; all he could see was a moving mouth. The voice emerged softly from the other person, whispering in his ear yet seemingly from miles away.

“Why don’t you let go? You’re so badly hurt. Holding on will only cause more pain. Take a rest.”

This voice was like a bewitching spell. The little strength Ying Feng had left slowly faded, the warmth in his right hand palm inching away. This choice, with no objections allowed, would soon yield a result.

A massive explosion shattered the sky. Waves of heat and flames consumed everything. The illusionary scene finally turned into a sea of fire.

……

“Commander, the owner of the ship Tai Yin was piloting, the Eagle, has been identified. It belongs to a man named An Chen.”

Long Yin took the tablet from his subordinate. “Who is he?”

“He is the third-generation developer of Tianyuan Network. Despite his considerable accomplishments in his career, he had a short lifespan. He was reincarnated 106 years into adulthood, which was 19 years ago. His child had an even shorter life, dying just two years into adulthood.”

“If both of them are dead, why hasn’t the inheritance been reclaimed?”

“An Chen was a computer genius. During our investigation, we found that all his personal property data had been tampered with. Besides the Eagle, he left a significant inheritance, its whereabouts unknown. The inheritance recovery center can’t find any record of him.”

“You don’t have to guess. Tai Yin must have had expenses over the years. Just maintaining the Eagle would cost a fortune every year. It’s unknown why An Chen would leave his private assets to Tai Yin… Forget it.” He returned the tablet to his subordinate. “Any news of Ying Feng?”

“Commander Fu Yao and Deputy Commander Nie Yun have split up to pursue the Huoxiu Star Independent Army’s ships. There are four enemy ships, and three have been spotted. We will report further if there’s any news.”

Long Yin nodded. “Prepare the aircraft. I’m going to the Genetic Center.”

At the Tianxiu Genetic Research Center, Heng He was anxiously waiting. The news of extraterrestrial invaders kidnapping hostages had spread everywhere. When his eyes met Long Yin’s, Heng He knew he couldn’t hide any longer.

“Speak.” Long Yin sat down, waiting for Heng He’s explanation.

Heng He was at a loss for words, so Long Yin reminded him, “If I remember correctly, in your induction report, you specifically mentioned that your most admired person was Tai Yin, right?”

“Yes… That was decades ago… He was the chief of the base then…”

“So please explain to me how a secret plan, unknown to most of the military high command, and a fugitive, knew precisely the time and route of Ling Xiao’s operations?”

Heng He’s eyes darted. He was a scientist dedicated to research and unfamiliar with schemes. Even now, he couldn’t believe he’d been used by his idol.

“I… actually…”

He stuttered out the past events, and Long Yin’s expression grew grimmer.

“So you’re saying the plan you claimed as your own discovery was actually from Tai Yin’s hands?”

Heng He hung his head in shame and nodded.

“So you’ve been in touch with him all this time. He’s the real puppet master behind this plan, and you’re just his puppet. He even used the military, right?”

“Tai Yin would sometimes inquire about the progress of the experiment. I would send him some data reports. If there were issues, he would find them. I thought it was just academic communication…”

“Do you know what crime you’ve committed?”

Heng He whispered, “Espionage.”

“Because of your failure to report, two people almost died, and one is still missing, with his fate unknown. If the enemy takes him and clones our genes, you will have committed treason.”

Heng He bit his lip, full of regret. Not because he was exposed and would face punishment, but because he had implicated Ling Xiao and Ying Feng and possibly threatened the entire nation. As the primary cause of this disaster, he was deeply responsible.

Long Yin’s communicator rang, with news coming in from the front lines.

“Commander Fu Yao has locked onto all four enemy ships and is currently searching for the location of the hostages. The enemy has been constantly avoiding direct confrontation with us and is always looking for an opportunity to escape. It’s highly likely they will use spatial jump to warp randomly.”

Long Yin fell silent for a moment. “Issue the order… If we can save them, we do. If we can’t…”

“Then obliterate them all.”

The onlooking Heng He was greatly shocked. His pale lips trembled, but in the end, he didn’t make a sound.

Fu Yao received instructions from Long Yin without showing a hint of surprise. His expression remained unchanged as he stared ahead.

The same order reached Nie Yun’s ship. A worried subordinate officer said, “I heard the hostage is a student highly regarded by the Major General and someone he was grooming as a potential successor…”

“You’re right,” Nie Yun interrupted calmly. “But we are the people of Tianxiu.”

“Target two has been checked. No signs of any souls present.”

“Targets three and four checked. No soul detection.”

“Eliminate them.”

With Fu Yao’s brief command, three white flashes appeared in the distance, and the three enemy ships were instantly destroyed.

“It seems the first ship is their flagship. These three ships were covering the main ship’s retreat. The hostages are likely aboard.”

“The first ship has anti-jamming systems; we can’t scan inside.”

“Activate the entwining beams. Nie Yun, lead a team for a forceful entry.”

Upon his command, the hatch of the neighboring ship opened. A well-trained team of soldiers flew out, one after another, in a well-coordinated manner. These soldiers, who could freely move in space, skillfully dodged the enemy’s light bullet fire, surrounded the target enemy ship, and prepared to breach the ship. This was the Tianxiu people’s biggest advantage in space combat; they could bypass the solid exterior of a ship and directly penetrate its core. Under Nie Yun’s lead, the hatch was quickly destroyed. As he was the first to enter, Fu Yao, who had been watching closely, felt an alarm bell ringing in his mind due to his years of combat experience.

“Get down!”

With a gesture, he summoned his Qizi from space back to his side. Almost simultaneously, a massive explosion erupted inside the enemy’s battleship. The shockwave from the explosion sent everyone nearby flying, and a blinding white light illuminated space. Fu Yao’s ship was also affected, violently shaking. Everyone experienced dropped to the ground, trying to lower their center of gravity as much as possible.

The explosion lasted only a brief moment. The limited oxygen quickly ran out, and the debris from the explosion spread out at high speeds in all directions. Some collided with the hull of the ship, changing their trajectory. Soon, all that was left was the partially burnt hull of the ship.

Once the shaking stopped, Fu Yao urgently got up, looking for any signs among the debris.

“Did any souls ascend? Did anyone see any souls?”

Everyone shook their heads in disbelief. The situation had been so sudden and chaotic that no one noticed.

“Why would they suddenly self-destruct? Weren’t they aiming to kidnap hostages?”

Nie Yun, having just escaped death, scanned the remains of the ship and analyzed. “They might not have self-destructed but had a timed explosive placed. Someone never wanted them to succeed from the start…”

Several possibilities flashed through Fu Yao’s mind, and he slammed his fists onto the control panel, growling two words, “Tai Yin!”

A deathly silence filled the ship cabin, interrupted only by the ticking of the instruments. No one made a sound.

After a long while, Fu Yao stood up straight, resuming his calm and rational demeanor as the Major General.

“Send the injured back to the ground. Try to salvage as much debris as possible. Contact the base and check if any souls have returned recently.”

The subordinates nodded and went about their duties. As everyone dispersed, Nie Yun gently patted Fu Yao’s shoulder, a gesture of comfort.

Upon receiving the news, Long Yin also paused for a moment before swiftly heading out, with Heng He anxiously following.

They entered an elevator, which went directly upwards. When it reached the top and the doors opened, they were greeted by a different scene: the Tianxiu Genetic Research Center, located directly beneath the base.

The current chief of the base, Ye Hai—previously the deputy researcher and now the head after Zhi Shang’s reincarnation—immediately stepped down from his command platform upon seeing Long Yin. Long Yin took his place.

“What’s the result?”

Ye Hai respectfully reported, “Today, three souls have returned to the base. One matches the time described by Major General Fu Yao…”

Heng He felt a lump in his throat, his eyes rimming with tears. Even without concrete evidence confirming the returning soul belonged to Ying Feng, everyone present understood the implications: the brilliant student, newly enrolled in the military academy, was likely no longer among the living…

……

Ling Xiao lay in the medical station’s bed, closely watched by two soldiers. They took great measures to prevent him from taking his own life. If those who had watched over Lan Sheng before had been half as dedicated, he wouldn’t have escaped.

When he wanted to live, he was faced with obstacles at every turn; when he wanted to die, he couldn’t. Ling Xiao wondered, why was he the only one so unlucky?

“When will you let me go? I want to return to Bikong.”

The answer was always the same. “Once you’re out of danger, we’ll send you back.”

Ling Xiao, feeling agitated, covered his forehead. How many days had it been since his coming-of-age ceremony? He couldn’t remember.

The medical staff, seeing him through the surveillance room, hurried to check on him.

“Do you feel unwell? Do you have a headache?”

Ling Xiao lowered his hand expressionlessly, indicating he didn’t have a headache.

“Can psychological trauma truly not be healed?”

The medical personnel were taken aback by his sudden question and then shook their heads. “Unfortunately, current medical science can’t do much about it.”

“So, without my Qizhu, I can’t survive?”

“You could… It would just be very difficult.”

Ling Xiao didn’t know what to say next. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a dog dozing off nearby.

“Is this dog yours?”

The medical staff glanced at the creature, which seemed to be somewhere between a dog and a wolf. It didn’t allow anyone to touch it except for Ling Xiao, clearly recognizing him as its owner.

“No.”

“Can I keep it?”

Feeling a pang of sorrow, the staff replied, “Yes.”

Ling Xiao carefully picked up the little gray creature, holding it face to face.

“Your eye color looks like mine. Did you also lose a fight?”

Xiao Hui whimpered, pawing at Ling Xiao’s face.

“Why do you sound like a wolf? Do you have a name? Given your gray appearance and wolf-like howl, I’ll call you ‘Hui Lang’.”

Ling Xiao stroked its head. “Hui Lang? Xiao Hui? Do you like that name? I’ve realized that if I can’t survive, dying would be too shameful. Before, I lived because of a promise I made to Lan Sheng, but now I choose to live for myself. If you don’t have a home, come with me. Let’s go somewhere where no one can find us and live our lives together.”

The two guards exchanged glances, shaking their heads in resignation.

News from the front lines was displayed on their terminals, with no clear answers but hints of death and loss. Ling Xiao noticed that, after seeing the message, the atmosphere in the room grew even more oppressive. Their fleeting glances at him were filled with sympathy, but they quickly looked away, unwilling to meet his gaze.

“Tell me the truth. Was I abandoned?”

Their silence was confirmation. Ling Xiao laughed dryly.

“Haha, that’s fine. I hadn’t figured out how to leave him, but he left me first.”

After a while, he asked again, “Am I going to be sent to the disease control center? Can my friend and I be placed in the same room?”

No one answered, and Ling Xiao continued speaking to himself, “Lan Sheng will be disappointed if he sees me there.”

Burying his face into Xiao Hui’s fur, the warm touch felt so familiar.

Finally, it feels like a family of three. Where had he heard that phrase before?

Tears wet Xiao Hui’s fur, strand by strand, chaotic like the tangled emotions in his heart.

“Why does it feel like I’ve forgotten so much?”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 90

Ying Feng surveyed the chamber that held them captive. It was just an ordinary room, devoid of any barriers. With his abilities, he could easily escape on his own. But escaping with Ling Xiao was an impossible task.

It seemed the adversary was certain he wouldn’t leave alone. But what did Tai Yin want with him? The military wouldn’t possibly exchange him for Shang Yang. If they wanted revenge for the past, why not just kill him outright? Why go through all this trouble?

Ling Xiao lay still, as if everything happening outside no longer concerned him. Tai Yin’s move at this time was no coincidence; he was well aware of their movements, knew when Ling Xiao was at his weakest, and even seemed familiar with the military’s routes.

Ying Feng sat down beside Ling Xiao, brushing a thumb across his pallid lips. A phrase he had read long ago in a book surfaced in his mind: The blood of the Qizhu has enhancing properties. Besides strengthening and aphrodisiac, it can provide nourishment and delay death in dire situations.

In his unconscious state, Ling Xiao faintly sensed a unique aroma. Something touched his lips, igniting a certain desire in him. He moved his mouth from side to side, the urge intensifying.

After a few rubs, he finally opened his mouth and bit down hard. The metallic, salty liquid flowed in, seemingly carrying a miraculous energy that reconsolidated his dissipating strength. He bit again, deepening the bite mark, drawing more of the fluid. He drank greedily, feeling warmth return to his cold body with each swallow.

Gaining some consciousness, Ling Xiao forced his eyes open, realizing he had bitten into Ying Feng’s wrist, right at the artery.

“What are you doing?” he asked weakly, looking around the unfamiliar environment. “Where are we?”

Ying Feng, pushing his wrist closer to Ling Xiao’s mouth, replied, “On our way back. Fill up. We’ll be at the medical station soon.”

Ling Xiao, puzzled, asked, “Why a medical station? I remember Dr. Heng He saying I could only heal naturally. And why am I drinking your blood?”

“The blood of the Qizhu can provide nourishment. As long as you don’t have any improper thoughts, it won’t have any other effect.”

Although Ying Feng’s response sounded sarcastic, Ling Xiao lacked the strength to argue. “Why does my head hurt so much, as if I’ve been hit?”

“You were too heavy. I bumped you into the wall while carrying you.”

“Nonsense,” Ling Xiao murmured, closing his eyes. He felt dehydrated, and unconsciously licked Ying Feng’s wrist.

Ying Feng decisively pressed his wrist to Ling Xiao’s lips, commanding, “Drink.”

The alluring scent was irresistible to Ling Xiao. After a moment’s hesitation, instinct overpowered rationale, and he bit down again, marking a third deep bite. He lapped and sucked as if it was the most enticing delicacy in the world. As he drew in the energy, some color returned to his pale face, and the persistent dizziness began to subside.

After absorbing enough nutrients, Ling Xiao, somewhat reluctantly, released his grip. “Where’s Xiao Hui?”

Xiao Hui popped its head out of Ling Xiao’s collar, its fur tickling his neck.

He wanted to pet it but lacked the strength.

“Why do I feel even dizzier this time? Is it because I was too tired from the internship?”

“Yes,” Ying Feng responded, caressing Ling Xiao’s hair. “You should rest more.”

“Hold on.” Ling Xiao noticed something as Ying Feng moved his hand. “Why is there blood on your hand?”

Instead of answering, Ying Feng silenced him with a gesture. The taste of blood was unsettling, but Ling Xiao soon drifted into sleep, leaving his questions for the dream realm.

Ying Feng retrieved a soul crystal from Ling Xiao’s sleeve pocket and teleported out of the chamber. Tai Yin wasn’t surprised to see him, though the others from Huoxiu Star were, never having seen any creature move so effortlessly through walls.

“Have you said your goodbyes to your Qizi?”

Tai Yin spoke as if it was a regular outing—departing at sunrise and returning by sunset.

“Remember your promise,” Ying Feng replied calmly.

“Of course.” Tai Yin raised his gun, aimed it at Ying Feng, and pulled the trigger.

……

The person in the medical pod slowly opened his eyes. The medical staff outside noticed this change, scanned his iris, and confirmed he had woken up.

“His body is now fine, but during our treatment, we found some issues in his hippocampus. It seems to have been maliciously altered.”

Long Yin looked at the brain scan of Ling Xiao displayed on the screen. The abnormal area was highlighted in red. “Is it possible for someone’s memory to be altered?”

“With our current technology, no. But it’s possible to suppress existing memories. Years ago, the disease control center tried using this method to erase memories of the abandoned Qizi’s coming-of-age ceremony. But even though the memory was erased, the psychological symptoms remained, making the process pointless.”

“Who invented this technology?”

The medical staff searched on the computer. “The first public publication of this technique was 76 years ago. The author of the paper was… Tai Yin.”

As Long Yin had guessed, at that moment, one of his officers came in to report, “The person next door has woken up.”

Long Yin quickly left. Along with Ling Xiao, who had been brought by the autonomous vehicle, there was also a soldier specifically in charge of transporting them. However, this other person was more severely injured than Ling Xiao and was almost dead.

“What do you remember?” Long Yin asked him.

“We were suddenly attacked by four aircraft. They all had stealth systems and had been lying in ambush for a long time. There was strong signal interference at the scene, and all communication devices malfunctioned, making it impossible to send a distress signal.”

“Did you see the insignia on the aircraft?”

“Yes, three flames, forming a triangle.”

It was the independent army from the Huoxiu Star. Long Yin hadn’t expected them to approach proactively. But why would they kidnap and then release two people? For what purpose?

“Rest now,” Long Yin said dismissively. He then returned to Ling Xiao’s room. Ling Xiao had already come out of the medical pod and was cautiously observing his surroundings.

“Do you recognize me?”

Ling Xiao looked at the unfamiliar officer in front of him and shook his head.

“How much do you remember?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ling Xiao replied rudely.

A medical staff member whispered to Long Yin, “He doesn’t realize he’s lost his memory.”

Long Yin tried a different approach. “What were you doing yesterday?”

Ling Xiao paused, and hatred filled his eyes.

“Speak,” Long Yin urged.

“Why should I tell you?” Ling Xiao’s tone was now more than just rude.

Turning to the medical staff, Long Yin asked with the same harshness, “Is he in a rebellious phase now?”

“His current state of mind is at the end point of retained memories. This could be from any time, perhaps even after the coming-of-age ceremony when things became chaotic.”

“Fine,” Long Yin said, his face dark. “If the Qizhu is missing and the Qizi goes through the chaotic phase again, tell me, could he die?”

The medical staff hesitated. “He shouldn’t. He’s already been through that period. Now it’s just a psychological illusion, unless…”

“Unless what?”

“Unless he had a strong desire to end his life.”

Long Yin let out a deep breath and turned to order his subordinates. “You must protect this man’s life at all costs. Watch him 24/7 and report to me immediately if there’s any issue.”

“Yes, sir!” came the response.

Ling Xiao, looking at unfamiliar faces speaking unfamiliar words, recognized that he was in a medical facility. His last memory was of falling from a rooftop. He was surprised he had survived the fall. A small, scruffy dog brushed against his leg, and he picked it up, wondering why there was a dog in the medical facility. He stroked the dog’s fur, a puzzled look in his eyes.

Xing Lou watched everything through a surveillance camera. On this planet, he controlled any place with a network connection, allowing him to access every corner. This was why even Tai Yin feared him.

“You’ve erased their memories of their love?” Xing Lou asked.

“Yes,” Tai Yin beside him replied. “Only this way, he won’t be affected by the other’s death. He can live on his own.”

“I don’t understand. What did Ying Feng do to offend you so much that you want to kill him?”

Tai Yin recalled a shameful experience, still filled with hatred. “He committed an unforgivable mistake. I can never let him live.”

“Never mind,” Xing Lou said, not wanting to delve deeper. After all, he only wanted Ling Xiao alive. Ying Feng’s fate was irrelevant. “How are you going to deal with the people from Huoxiu Star?”

“They just want a living Tianxiu person. I’ll give them Ying Feng.”

“Aren’t you afraid they’ll clone the technology and use it against us?”

“When I hand him over, he’ll be alive. Whether he remains that way on the journey, well, that’s not my concern.” It was clear that Ying Feng wouldn’t survive the trip to Huoxiu Star.

Xing Lou sighed. “In my five lifetimes of memories, Tianxiu rarely has true traitors. Do you know why?”

Tai Yin shook his head.

“It’s because loyalty is written into the Tianxiu’s genes, prioritized over everything else. First, it’s loyalty to the nation, then to a spouse. Have you ever considered that your obsession with Shang Yang isn’t love but dictated by a gene code representing loyalty?”

Tai Yin pondered Xing Lou’s words. “You said ‘rarely’, so there are exceptions.”

“Yes, there are always one or two with a genetic mutation. One betrayal can change everything,” Xing Lou’s voice grew cold. “If I ever find the reincarnation of that person, I’d do the same as you, destroy them at all costs.”

……

Ying Feng seemed to have awakened, but also seemed not to have. Everything in front of him was hazy, as if he was in a dream, yet it felt within reach.

The surroundings were familiar. He was at the base, and the black building in front of him was the Nightmare Hall.

He wasn’t the only person there. Beside him, there were many soldiers in uniform, but they didn’t appear surprised at Ying Feng’s sudden appearance. In their eyes, it was as if Ying Feng didn’t exist.

What’s going on? Why were so many soldiers gathered outside the Nightmare Hall? Were they executing a death penalty? In Tianxiu, only treason and the killing of a fledgling would result in this highest form of punishment. Ying Feng remembered Yao Tai saying that it had been many years since anyone had been sentenced to death.

He scanned the crowd and surprisingly found a familiar face. Although they had never met, he was certain it was Jing Yu. Standing amidst the crowd, Jing Yu seemed to stand apart, distant, with no trace of human emotion in his eyes.

The gaze of those around him landed on him almost imperceptibly. Instead of standing in formation, it seemed as if everyone was monitoring his every move.

A military officer approached from a distance, followed by two subordinates. Ying Feng noticed his insignia. When he met Long Yin, the man had already been a general, but now the insignia indicated he was only a lieutenant general. Had he traveled back in time?

As soon as Long Yin arrived, someone reported to him. Although the report was whispered into his ear, every word clearly reached Ying Feng.

“Everything is ready. If Jing Yu shows any unusual behavior, the soldiers will act immediately.”

Long Yin nodded. “What about that man?”

The man Long Yin referred to was soon brought forward by two others. Upon seeing him, a deep void seemed to carve itself into Ying Feng’s soul, making it difficult for him to breathe.

Ling Xing looked calm, as if he wasn’t facing execution, but merely a routine prayer.

“Even now, you refuse to admit where you’ve hidden it?” Long Yin asked him one last time.

Ling Xing smiled. “I’ve told you many times. I’ve hidden it in the future.”

“If that’s what you believe, then maybe you’ll meet it in the future,” Long Yin was about to give an order when Ling Xing interrupted.

“May I have a last word with him?”

Long Yin glanced in the direction of Jing Yu. “Go ahead.”

Ying Feng watched as Ling Xing passed by him without a glance, stopping beside Jing Yu. The affection in Ling Xing’s eyes was evident, but Jing Yu treated him indifferently. If Ying Feng hadn’t heard their story or witnessed what Jing Yu did for Ling Xing, he might have thought Jing Yu was looking at a stranger.

Jing Yu, slightly taller, leaned down as Ling Xing whispered something into his ear. Unlike before, this time Ying Feng couldn’t catch a word.

After speaking, Jing Yu’s expression remained unchanged, but Ling Xing seemed satisfied as he resolutely walked towards Nightmare Hall.

Someone grabbed Ling Xing’s hand from behind. He turned in surprise, as if noticing Ying Feng for the first time, but soon smiled as if greeting an old friend.

“It’s you.”

“Don’t go.” Whether this was a dream or not, Ying Feng hoped he would stay. The thought of Ling Xing meeting his end made Ying Feng unwilling to let go.

“Do you want me to live?” Ling Xing asked with a smile.

Ying Feng nodded.

“But if I live, my next life will disappear. Only one of us can exist.”

Looking at his hand, Ling Xing said, “Either me or him. You can only choose one. The one you let go of will die. Think carefully.”

To Ying Feng’s astonishment, he realized he was also holding another person’s hand, someone who seemed to have been there from the start but whom he had always overlooked.

“A or B?” Ling Xing tilted his chin. Two people with entirely different personalities spoke in opposite tones yet said the exact same words.

“This time, you don’t have the option to object.”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 89

This blood draw lasted longer than any previous ones. By the time it was over, Ling Xiao wasn’t just groggy as he had been before; he was completely unconscious and unresponsive.

When Ying Feng entered, he took one look and immediately turned to leave, without Heng He even getting a chance to say a word.

In the military’s highest command center, a drawn-out debate had been going on for nearly two hours. The separatist forces on the Huoxiu Star showed signs of resurgence, and the military’s annual expenditure on stabilization efforts had exceeded the planet’s output. The pro-expedition and abandonment factions argued fiercely, with the crux of the disagreement centered on the undeniable effects of the soul traction during long-range warfare, which posed significant challenges.

Long Yin was growing increasingly impatient when a communication signal came through. He initially wanted to dismiss it, but upon seeing it was from Ying Feng, he left the meeting room.

“What is it?” He asked directly.

Ying Feng got straight to the point. “Our original agreement guaranteed the safety of my Qizi. If you breach that, we have no choice but to terminate the experiment unilaterally.”

The biggest bargaining chip the pro-expedition faction had was their claim to solve the soul traction problem within six months. Ying Feng’s threat to terminate the experiment now was like adding insult to injury.

Long Yin said gravely, “I don’t want to threaten you in the name of the military. Remember, you’re a military student and a future soldier. Prioritize the nation over personal interests. You have no idea about the current situation on Huoxiu Star…”

“Huoxiu Star is 32,000 EAU away,” Ying Feng interrupted. “But my Qizi is right here with me. Even if you obtain enough blood, the experimental subjects might not awaken, and even if they do, they might not break the soul traction. For a minuscule chance of success and a planet so distant you can’t even see it with a telescope, you’re asking me to watch my Qizi repeatedly put in danger. If it were you, could you accept that?”

Suppressing his anger, Long Yin said, “Two-thirds, no less.”

“Half,” Ying Feng countered firmly.

Long Yin frowned. “Don’t push your luck. Remember, if your Qizi reincarnates, we can still use his blood.”

Ying Feng replied calmly, “I misjudged that before, which is why you could threaten me. But now I realize people who can’t even wait a year definitely can’t wait twenty.”

There was silence on the other end, clearly angered by Ying Feng’s words. After a long pause, an annoyed voice said, “Fine, as you say,” and quickly hung up.

After ending the call, Ying Feng turned to Ling Xiao. Seeing him, Heng He was always nervous, unsure of what Ying Feng had discussed outside.

“Xiao Hui.”

With that, Heng He carefully handed the little wolf to Ling Xiao’s embrace. Holding Ling Xiao, the weight of Xiao Hui was almost negligible to Ying Feng.

“I’ve given it an injection. Just make sure it takes its medication, and it’ll be fine. Wolves have a strong natural healing ability. You don’t have to worry.”

As Ying Feng left, Heng He, concerned, quickly added, “But you must be careful with Ling Xiao. He can’t afford to lose any more blood.”

“Does he even have any blood left to lose?” Ying Feng replied coldly, leaving Heng He speechless.

Waiting on the airstrip were the military’s sealed aircraft. To this day, Ying Feng still had no idea where this genetic center was located. After settling Ling Xiao into the cabin, the aircraft accelerated down the runway for takeoff. By Ying Feng’s estimation, it would take about half an hour to reach the transfer station. He had tried to pinpoint this location on a map before, but the vast area made it impossible to narrow down.

Ying Feng casually turned on a mobile TV. The news was covering the very issue Long Yin had mentioned.

“The separatist forces of Huoxiu Star have teamed up with the ‘Interstellar Peacekeeping Force’ intending to launch an armed action. Our mining station, set up in the Huoxiu N8202 asteroid belt, was violently attacked a few days ago. Several unmanned mining drones were destroyed. The military has yet to give a clear response about deploying troops…”

Suddenly, there was a loud bang from the front of the aircraft, followed by severe shaking. The entire plane tilted at a 45-degree angle.

“What’s happening?!” Ying Feng pounded on the sealed door. Then an even louder noise sounded, and the aircraft started spiraling uncontrollably from the sky. Thrown to the rear of the plane, they crashed hard onto the ground, causing even Ying Feng to black out briefly.

Regaining consciousness, Ying Feng found his right arm trapped under some deformed equipment. The cabin was a total mess. Given the state of the back, the cockpit’s situation must be even grimmer.

“Ling Xiao!”

Ying Feng called out, but there was no reply.

He used his mental power, and suddenly there was another person in his arms. However, Ling Xiao remained unconscious; even such a massive impact didn’t wake him.

Ying Feng supported Ling Xiao’s neck, originally just wanting to protect him and try to leave the place. Yet, the moment he touched him, he felt a slippery, sticky sensation in his palm. Startled, he lifted his hand and found it covered in alarming fresh blood.

He couldn’t afford to lose any more blood. Ying Feng struggled to pull out his trapped right arm, which was causing him agonizing pain. But he couldn’t care about that now. He activated a healing soul crystal and placed the glowing white hand back onto the back of Ling Xiao’s head.

Ling Xiao had a dream where he felt weightless, almost as if he could fly to the sky.

He revisited all the events he had experienced. He didn’t know that this was the near-death experience of the Tianxiu people. He watched the past ten years with the mindset of watching a movie—the exciting and thrilling university life, the pitch-black coming-of-age ceremony, and the carefree time when he was young…

Until he was almost finished rewatching his life, a voice kept calling his name from afar. This voice made him nostalgic and unwilling to let go, so he gave up on the story’s ending and fell back to the ground.

Ying Feng watched as the shimmering blue spots around Ling Xiao gradually converged back into his body and let out a long sigh of relief. He had only seen such a phenomenon once before, when Ping Zong left.

However, the danger hadn’t passed. Ying Feng wondered what had happened. Could it be that Long Yin really wanted to put them in mortal danger without considering the consequences?

There was a sound of metal cutting from outside. Ying Feng noticed it but discreetly gripped a few soul crystals, not acting rashly. If it was the military outside, escape would be nearly impossible.

The obstacle above them was cleared, and more than a dozen unfamiliar weapons were pointed at them. He then saw the faces of the attackers—their skin was a strange dark red. Although they looked human, they appeared quite different from the Tianxiu people.

In this galaxy, every planet had many different intelligent species. Even on the Wolf Star, where 80% of the population was the Wolf people, the remaining 20% consisted of other races.

However, Tianxiu was an extreme exception. No alien race would choose to migrate here. Even tourists were rare. In the past ten years, Ying Feng had never seen an alien on Tianxiu.

Suppressing his surprise, Ying Feng calmly asked, “Who are you?”

There was no answer. From their actions and demeanor, it was evident that their captors were well-trained soldiers, leaving no vulnerabilities exposed. The pain from his right arm reminded Ying Feng that his bone was probably broken. He gently touched the back of Ling Xiao’s head. While the bleeding had stopped, Ling Xiao’s breath and heartbeat were faint, and his vital signs were gradually fading.

Due to this movement, the enemy uttered several unfamiliar monosyllabic warnings. From their tone, Ying Feng understood that they were warning him not to move.

He realized that they didn’t want to kill him, or they would have done so already.

He scanned their faces one by one. “Does anyone understand the Tianxiu language? My Qizi needs medical attention.”

It was unclear if they understood, but one of them gestured, and immediately a person in a white uniform carrying a medical kit approached to check on Ling Xiao.

Ying Feng stopped him. “Your medical technology won’t help. He needs to go to a local medical station.”

The person who had gestured spoke some words, but the communication between them was incomprehensible. Ying Feng’s concern deepened as Ling Xiao’s condition worsened.

As Ying Feng discreetly played with the soul crystal in his left thumb, planning an escape with Ling Xiao, a small two-seater aircraft landed nearby. Seeing the calm reactions of the aliens, Ying Feng’s heart sank, realizing the newcomers were also their enemies.

The aircraft’s door opened, and a tall man stepped out. Upon seeing him, Ying Feng hesitated, realizing any chance of escape had now diminished to none.

The aliens made way for Tai Yin, who looked down condescendingly. “We meet again.”

Although at a disadvantage, Ying Feng retorted with equal vigor, “First you colluded with pirates, and now these unknown aliens? When you refused the pirates’ proposal, I thought you had some principles. But what you’re doing now, isn’t it akin to treason?”

Treason and the murder of the young were considered the two most unforgivable sins in the Tianxiu culture. Any Tianxiu with a shred of morality would see this as the utmost disgrace, especially for someone as proud as Tai Yin.

Sure enough, Tai Yin’s face darkened at the accusation. “Who do you think forced me into this situation? If you hadn’t taken Shang Yang from me, I wouldn’t have needed to cooperate with these aliens.”

The so-called “aliens” around Tai Yin clearly didn’t understand the conversation, so they continued to focus on Ying Feng.

“If you truly missed Shang Yang, when he was reincarnated, you should have reincarnated with him, just like your student Yao Tai did. Perhaps you made some contributions in your research, but compared to your students in other aspects, you’re sadly lacking.”

Tai Yin squatted down in front of him and said, “Who was it that, at any cost, wanted to break into my lab just to find their past life partner? Do I need to remind you that you almost drove your current Qizi to a dead end for him?”

As expected, Tai Yin saw the anticipated expression on Ying Feng’s face and stood up, satisfied. “Will you leave on your own, or do I ask our interstellar friends to help you?”

Ying Feng struggled to sit up. “I need to take Ling Xiao to the medical station. And the driver over there, I need to make sure he’s still alive.”

“Of course,” Tai Yin agreed readily, making Ying Feng doubt his sincerity.

“You don’t need to look at me with suspicion. I don’t want his life right now. I promise he will be safely taken there.” Tai Yin took a step back, giving Ying Feng room to get up.

With his broken arm, Ying Feng barely held onto Ling Xiao and, under the escort of the aliens, step by step entered their spacecraft. Tai Yin followed, watching them being locked in a chamber.

He switched his language chip and commanded the red-skinned alien in fluent Huoxiu Star language, “Set a course for the next medical station. We only need one hostage.”

The other quickly questioned, “Why not take all three? Isn’t three safer?”

“I said one.” Tai Yin’s expression darkened. “Unless you don’t want any.”

The alien from Huoxiu Star was already familiar with his temperament and didn’t argue further. Following the given destination, Tai Yin went alone to another room and connected to Xing Lou through a private communicator.

“We’ve left. In ten minutes, you can disable the signal interference.”

“What about the person I asked for?”

“He’s alive. I’ll take him to the medical station soon.”

Xing Lou smiled. “Last time you wanted him dead. You know I need him, and you know I can’t wait too long.”

Tai Yin felt stifled. Xing Lou was the only one in the world who dared to speak to him like this without him retaliating. While Xing Lou was just a fledgling, he was much more than that. Tai Yin knew his capabilities better than anyone and needed his power. After falling out with Fei Jing and losing contact with Zhen He, Xing Lou was his last powerful ally. Until he reached his goal, he could only give in.

He suppressed his displeasure. “It won’t happen again.”

“That’s good.” Xing Lou received a satisfactory response. “No matter what, I need to ensure Ling Xiao’s safety. Apart from reviving Yue Ying, he has a greater purpose.”

“A greater purpose? What is it?”

Xing Lou brushed off the question with a smile. “That’s not for you to be concerned about.”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 88

In the following days, Ling Xiao experienced what was called hellish training. On a planet where his body couldn’t adapt fully, the soul traction continued to intensify with time. Training tasks that he could easily complete on regular days became strenuous here. Moreover, he had the double punishment on him.

He had originally thought of taking time off to return to the tribe to check on Fei Jing’s condition, but every day after training, he went back to the dormitory and fell asleep. He no longer needed to ask Ying Feng for a hypnotic kiss. This continued until the half-month internship ended, and he only got to rest just before departing.

Once again at the interstellar port, classmates were exchanging their unused internship subsidies for local specialties. Ling Xiao had previously left some money with Luoluo, and now he didn’t have much left. Ying Feng was moving through the bustling stalls when he finally found a vendor selling flowers. The stall had a sign that said, “No deception between man and wolf”.

“Do you want to buy flowers? The flowers here are hardy and can be planted anywhere.” The vendor warmly greeted him as soon as he saw a potential customer.

Ying Feng quickly scanned the flowers. He recognized most of them, except for one that looked unfamiliar. It had twisted leaves and small red beans on the top.

“What’s that?”

“You have a good eye. This is a variety introduced from another galaxy in recent years and has been adapted to the local environment. Of course, it can also be taken to nearby planets without any issues. This flower is called Acacia. It usually produces these small red beans and rarely blooms. But when it does, the flower is incredibly beautiful, even more so than the jade orchids. Would you like a pot?”

Ying Feng gave him all his remaining money. “Do you have seeds?”

“Of course,” the vendor said cheerfully as he took the money. “I’ll pack them for you.”

“Ying— Feng–”

Ling Xiao’s voice echoed from the other end of the market. By the time the last note of his call faded, he had already bounded over, holding up a furry little creature and eagerly showing it to Ying Feng.

“Look! A puppy!”

The puppy was barely bigger than his palm, with light gray fur matching its eyes. Suspended in Ling Xiao’s grip, its limbs and tail dangled, and its large eyes looked somewhat innocent.

“I found it in that corner,” Ling Xiao said with anticipation. “Can we keep it?”

Ying Feng decisively replied, “No.”

“Why?” Ling Xiao’s hopeful expression turned to disappointment in a second. “Look how cute it is.”

Holding the puppy up to his chin, Ling Xiao made a similarly innocent expression. “Look, its eye color is the same as mine. So pitiful.”

“Oh, I get it.” His tone shifted, pointing at Ying Feng. “If we keep it, you won’t be the only furry member in the house. You’re jealous!”

A vein popped in Ying Feng’s forehead, his patience wearing thin. “The main issue is not the fur or eyes. It’s not a dog. It’s a wolf, right? And this is Wolf Star. This thing is probably one of its inhabitants, isn’t it?”

Little Wolf: Awooo—

Ling Xiao’s jaw dropped as if he had been hit hard.

“Who keeps a person as a pet? It probably wandered off when its parents weren’t looking. They must be worried sick.” Ying Feng, grabbing the little wolf by the scruff of its neck, took it from Ling Xiao. “Where did you find it?”

Ling Xiao pointed to a corner, looking dejected. “It was scavenging for food from the trash there.”

As Ying Feng walked over to where Ling Xiao found the creature, about to let it down, a woman passing by to dispose of her trash commented, “Don’t know whose child this is. Abandoned not long after birth. Won’t survive long on its own.”

Ying Feng paused, looking at the creature again after the woman left. Ling Xiao was right; their eye colors were exactly the same. But on Tianxiu, almost half the people had the same eye color. If gray eyes meant pitiful, then there were too many pitiful beings in the world.

“Even if you die, it’s better to die on your own land.” Ying Feng set it down. The confused little wolf, upon touching the ground, took a moment to adjust. Using its short legs, it tried to wobble after Ying Feng but quickly lagged behind, unable to keep up with his pace.

Ying Feng went back to fetch the seeds he had dropped. The vendor had already packed them and was waiting for him. Ling Xiao looked at him curiously. “What did you buy?”

“Flower seeds.”

“Why buy these?”

Ying Feng paused. Why did he buy them? It seemed like something he would naturally do without any thought. It wasn’t until he pocketed the packaged seeds that he realized he didn’t have a good reason.

“Just as a memento.”

Ling Xiao didn’t think much of it, only remarking, “There’s no place to plant them in our dormitory.”

The time to gather was nearing, and they dragged their luggage towards the port. Ling Xiao, with his sharp eyes, noticed a familiar figure peeking from behind a wall.

“Luoluo!” He put down his luggage and approached. “Did you come to see me off?”

Initially, Luoluo seemed a bit embarrassed at being spotted but soon nodded slightly.

Patting his head, Ling Xiao cheerfully said, “I’ll come back to see you if I get a chance. When you grow up, you’re welcome to visit Tianxiu.”

Luoluo puffed up his chest. “I’ve joined your tribe.”

“Oh?” Ling Xiao expressed surprise.

“When I grow up, I want to be the Wolf King!”

“Haha, I’ll be waiting to see you become the Wolf King.” Ling Xiao pounded his chest with his fist. “I swear on my soul.”

Luoluo solemnly returned a gesture of the Wolf Tribe. “I swear on Mother Earth!”

After bidding farewell to Luoluo, Ling Xiao boarded the spaceship with the others. After a few jumps, the Wolf Star became a brown planet in their view.

“Did you hear anything?” Ling Xiao asked.

Ying Feng, with his sharp hearing, nodded. “It seems to be coming from your luggage.”

Ling Xiao checked and was stunned to find a palm-sized wolf cub in his bag.

“How did you sneak in?” Ling Xiao was both amazed and thrilled as he cuddled the cub. “Are you really coming with us to Tianxiu?”

The little wolf licked his hand, and Ying Feng seemed displeased. He reached out to take the cub, but Ling Xiao protected it.

“Could it just be a regular wolf?”

“Have you ever seen a wolf that can unzip luggage?”

“But it’s just a baby.” Ling Xiao held the cub tightly, as if determined not to let go. “It’s already on the ship. We can’t just throw it out.”

Seeing Ying Feng’s reluctance, Ling Xiao compromised. “Isn’t it said that the people of the Wolf Star only turn into humans after their childhood? When it grows up and can transform, I promise to send it back home.”

Who knew whose child this was, abandoned so young, it would likely not to survive long.

“Forget it.” Ying Feng sighed. “Do as you please.”

Ling Xiao lifted the cub happily. “From now on, you’re a new member of our family. Let’s name you Hui Lang*.”

*Literally gray wolf.

“It’s already a gray wolf. Who names something after its species?” Ying Feng retorted, unable to resist chiming in.

“Its nickname will be Xiao Hui. That’s final!”

“I’ve never seen anyone name things as casually as you.”

“That’s because you’ve seen too few people,” Ling Xiao retorted. “There are plenty of people in the world who name things casually.”

Even though they’d been away only for half a month, stepping on Tianxiu’s soil again, Ling Xiao felt a sense of belonging. He couldn’t wait to bring Xiao Hui to his new home and didn’t even ask Ying Feng, who said he had some things to take care of first.

Alone, Ying Feng arrived at the church. The priest remembered him and kindly asked his purpose.

“I’ve just returned from Wolf Star and brought some flower seeds. Do you need them here?”

The priest smiled. “That’s thoughtful of you. There’s some land behind the church; you can plant them there.”

Ying Feng nodded in gratitude and left, getting tools from a nearby shed and planting the seeds.

A few minutes later, the priest realized he had forgotten to tell Ying Feng where the tools were. When he rushed to the garden, he found Ying Feng kneeling, engrossed in planting. The way he moved and looked was so human-like.

Ying Feng, fully focused on his task, only noticed the priest’s presence after planting a row. The priest, staring intently at him, seemed mildly surprised.

“What is it?” Ying Feng asked, standing up.

The priest came to his senses. “I’m sorry, I was lost in memories, thinking I saw an old friend from the past.”

He turned his gaze to the ground nearby, where all the tools for planting flowers were neatly arranged. “I was worried you wouldn’t find the tools, so I came to tell you. I didn’t expect you to find them on your own.”

“Oh,” Ying Feng replied indifferently. “I saw the greenhouse on my way here and guessed the tools might be there.”

The priest looked in the direction of the greenhouse, puzzled. He had exited from the back door, and the greenhouse was in a different direction from where they were. There was no way he would have passed by it. However, he didn’t voice his confusion and instead watched as Ying Feng planted all the flower seeds and watered them meticulously.

“What kind of seeds are these?”

“Acacia.”

“I’ve never heard of it.” The priest suggested, “Ling Xing once compiled a plant encyclopedia, with Jing Yu’s help. After he left, I published the manuscript he left behind. If you’d like, you could record the details of this new plant, and we can include it in the next edition.”

“The encyclopedia you mentioned, was it authored under the pen name ‘Yu Xingcao’?”

“Exactly. ‘Yu Xingcao’ is a pseudonym they both used, made up of their names*.”

*Clarity, the Yu (雨) from Jing Yu and the Xing (星) from Ling Xing. Cao (草) means grass. Together, it’s like Star Shower/Rain Grass.

The Yu Xingcao was a grass commonly seen in Tianxiu. In some areas, it was ubiquitous. At night, the tips of the grass glowed, and from a distance, they looked like scattered stars.”

The name was unique enough that it left an impression on Ying Feng. He had initially thought that the author was fond of this grass, which was why they chose its name as a pseudonym. He hadn’t realized there was more to the story.

“I borrowed that book from the library. I’d be happy to contribute to its completion.” Ying Feng readily agreed to the priest’s proposal.

Compared to plants, Ling Xiao seemed more interested in animals. As soon as he placed Xiao Hui in their dormitory, the little creature eagerly began to explore, as if touring its new home. By the time Ying Feng returned, Ling Xiao had made a generous space for Xiao Hui in a corner of the living room, placing a shiny doghouse there, which left Ying Feng speechless.

He wondered if those from Wolf Star recognized themselves as humans when they were young. If Xiao Hui considered itself human, being given a doghouse might infuriate it. However, Xiao Hui seemed thrilled, darting in and out of it, wagging its tail excitedly. This made Ying Feng wonder if it was just a regular wolf.

After setting everything up, Ling Xiao leaned against Ying Feng, proudly admiring his handiwork. “It finally feels like a home for the three of us.”

No wonder couples’ guides suggested adopting a pet. Even with just one additional creature, the dormitory felt warmer, much like the soft touch of rubbing one’s cheek against Xiao Hui’s fur.

Ling Xiao, wrapping his arms around Ying Feng’s neck, blurted out, “Even though it’s not one you gave birth to.”

Ying Feng glanced at him sharply. “Who are you saying would give birth?”

Realizing his slip, Ling Xiao tried to backtrack, but it was too late. Ying Feng, grabbing him by the collar, dragged him toward the bedroom. “Let’s see who would be the one to give birth.”

Ling Xiao, wishing he could turn back time, protested, “Why are we even discussing this? We’re both Tianxiu. Let’s just talk this out…”

With Ying Feng half-dragging, half-pulling him, Ling Xiao was forcibly taken into the bedroom, the door slamming shut behind them. Moments later, the bedroom door opened, and a fluffy little creature was tossed out by its neck, with the door slamming shut once again.

Xiao Hui, having been thrown out, shook its head, letting out two soft howls of displeasure. But upon seeing its bed, it joyfully scampered back to it.

……

The next day, Xiao Hui was clearly more listless than the day before. Despite the food that Ling Xiao had prepared for him, he just took a glance and closed his eyes, showing no intention of eating.

“What’s wrong with him? Soul traction?” Ling Xiao asked anxiously.

“He might be sick.”

“Sick?” Ling Xiao had no idea how to deal with the situation. “I’ll call Bing Can over.”

“His healing abilities only work on Tianxiu people. Even the school doctor of Royal Sky can only treat injuries of their own kind. It’s better to consult Yu Ji, who researches other living creatures,” Yin Feng advised.

Ying Feng’s prompt reminded Ling Xiao of someone. “I got it!”

Heng He carefully examined the creature in front of him, lifting its paw and prying open its eyelids. Xiao Hui was docile, not showing any resistance at all.

“Are you sure it’s a Wolf Star being? There are many wolves from the Wolf Star, and young Wolf Star beings and wolves look very similar. They can only be distinguished by their DNA.”

“Whether it’s a wolf or a person, I want to know why he’s so lethargic,” Ling Xiao urgently asked.

“My initial estimate is that it’s not acclimated to this environment. On top of that, it had severe malnutrition even before this, likely having eaten something bad.”

“When I found him, he was scavenging through trash,” Ling Xiao added.

“That explains it. Our medicines won’t work on him, but you came to the right person. I happen to be studying this.”

Heng He casually took a look at Ling Xiao’s medical report. “Your blood has been fully purified. We can continue our experiments. We can’t delay any longer since we’re already behind schedule.”

After two weeks, Ling Xiao was once again connected to tubes, with blood slowly flowing out of him.

“You have to heal Xiao Hui for me,” he murmured as he drifted into unconsciousness.

“Don’t worry, I will,” Heng He replied, avoiding Ling Xiao’s gaze. According to the instructions, the delayed progress couldn’t be postponed but had to be made up in stages. The set amount of blood to be taken this time was up to three-quarters of Ling Xiao’s total, a critical value for a Tianxiu person. Any slight accident, and Ling Xiao would be in mortal danger.

It was a military order. No matter how much Heng He emphasized the risks, they were insistent, and he had no choice but to obey.

He could only hope that Yin Feng would not act rashly.

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Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

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Chapter 87

Ling Xiao took Luoluo around to places he had never seen before when someone came to invite them to dine.

Ying Feng seemed busy with something. Ling Xiao wasn’t quite used to the food of Wolf Star, and on the entire table, only Luoluo was devouring the food voraciously. Ling Xiao, propping his chin, watched him eat with interest, thinking that if the people of Tianxiu could reproduce, Ying Feng could have a baby, and they could be a family of three like this.

His thoughts wandered from Wolf Star to the distant stars, but someone promptly interrupted him.

“Someone outside wishes to see the Wolf King. He’s discussing with the acting Wolf King. Do you want to meet him first?”

“Who is it?”

“They claim to be from Tianxiu and appear quite young. They said they heard that the new Wolf King here is from Tianxiu, so they came.”

People from Tianxiu? Young? Ling Xiao couldn’t figure out who it could be. Could it be a classmate?

As he walked out of the main palace gate, dozens of people awaited him. Upon seeing him, their expressions changed, and some even drew their weapons.

This sudden change stunned the Wolf Star people present, and seeing someone attacking their queen, they didn’t hesitate to pick up their weapons in response.

“Wait!” The leader of the group raised his hand, signaling his people to put down their weapons.

Ling Xiao was surprised to see the person here. “Fei Jing? Why are you here?”

The young-looking Tianxiu people behind Fei Jing were those who had been experimented on the Eagle. After the incident on the Eagle, Ling Xiao lost track of them. Fei Jing’s surprise mirrored Ling Xiao’s. His wary eyes reminded Ling Xiao that his own people were also armed.

“It’s alright.” Ling Xiao turned to reassure them. “These are my friends.”

The word “friends” slightly altered Fei Jing’s expression, but he quickly hid it.

Friends who immediately drew weapons upon seeing each other? The Wolf Star people couldn’t understand but hesitantly lowered their weapons.

“Now, can you tell me why you’re here?”

Fei Jing hesitated, given their opposing identities. “I heard that this tribe’s Wolf King is from Tianxiu. Could it be you?” He stared at Ling Xiao’s face. “What’s with the markings on your face?”

“We came here for an external internship and somehow ended up as the Wolf King. Did you all specifically come here to… ” Ling Xiao had a guess. “Seek refuge?”

His guess was on point, as the others looked somewhat embarrassed. Nothing was worse than seeking refuge with the enemy. If not for Ling Xiao, their ship wouldn’t have been nearly destroyed.

Predictably, Ling Xiao asked, “Where’s your starship?”

Fei Jing grimaced. “It’s heavily damaged in a vortex. Do you expect us to travel in space with that wreck?”

Even their sole source of supplies, the Poison Capital Pirates, were completely wiped out due to their provocation. They had no choice but to risk landing on Wolf Star’s space station.

“What about Tai Yin?” Ling Xiao looked around. “Why didn’t he come with you?”

“Because of you, there was some friction between us.”

Ling Xiao instantly remembered that on the Eagle, Fei Jing did save him once. If not for that brief delay, Ling Xiao might have been killed by Tai Yin before even taking the Ember. Although Fei Jing mentioned it as mere friction, the reality was probably more severe.

“You went separate ways? What about them…” Ling Xiao pointed to the people behind Fei Jing.

“Tai Yin has his plans and doesn’t intend to take anyone with him. I brought them to Wolf Star, hoping to find them a home.”

“But with your physique, isn’t living on Wolf Star very tough?” Ling Xiao was confused. “Why would you endure the soul traction and not return to Tianxiu?”

Fei Jing turned around. “More than half of the people here are wanted by the military, including me. Even if we return to Tianxiu, what awaits us is imprisonment. Would you choose the freedom of the soul or the freedom of the body?”

“I…”

“Moreover, some of us detest the coming-of-age ceremony of Tianxiu and don’t wish to return to that so-called mother planet.”

“But…”

Fei Jing interrupted him again. “The average lifespan of undeveloped Tianxiu people is short. Many are nearing their end. Let them find a peaceful place to spend their last days.”

He looked into the distance with a complex expression. “Fortunately, this place is not far from Tianxiu. Even if they die here, their souls won’t be lost.”

Ling Xiao felt heavy-hearted by his words. Would those who couldn’t accept the coming-of-age ceremony in this life forget everything in the next?

A large hand rested on his head, soothing his negative emotions. “What’s wrong?”

After Ying Feng asked this, he naturally met Fei Jing’s gaze. Initially, he thought they were here to chase him, but Ling Xiao’s reaction suggested otherwise. The pattern on his face had been washed off. To avoid misunderstandings, Ling Xiao briefly explained the reason for Fei Jing and others’ visit. Fei Jing and his group, who had originally intended to join the Tianxiu Wolf King, had given up hope upon seeing Ling Xiao. Seeing Ying Feng made them turn to leave, but they were stopped.

Ying Feng glanced at Ling Xiao, realizing some matters were best kept from him, so he gestured to Fei Jing.

“Can we talk privately?”

The two went aside. Ying Feng cut to the chase. “Do you want your people to stay here?”

“We can find another place,” Fei Jing refused coldly.

As he turned to leave, Ying Feng remarked, “Everywhere else on the Wolf Star avoids the Tianxiu people. Where do you plan to go?”

Fei Jing halted.

“I’m sure you’ve been to many tribes, with more experience than me. Even if you find a deserted place to start anew, I wonder if your people can endure the time it takes to establish a home.”

Every word of Ying Feng hit Fei Jing’s sore spots, each an undeniable truth.

“I can let them stay here.”

Fei Jing spun around in disbelief. “You?”

“I’m the Wolf King here. I have the right to let them stay. This tribe may be small, but it can accommodate all of you.”

Fei Jing looked down. “Aren’t we enemies? We are wanted by the military, and you are students from the military academy. Haven’t you considered that?”

“I just appreciate that you saved my Qizi once and returned his dagger,” Ying Feng replied indifferently. “Whether you stay or wander, it’s up to you.”

Fei Jing gritted his teeth. “They don’t have much time left. Let them stay here.”

“And you?” Ying Feng inquired, “Will you stay?”

“No, after they settle down, I’ll leave. I’ve always wanted to travel the stars. In the limited time I have left, I’ll go as far as I can.”

“What about the principal?” Ying Feng pressed. “Even if he once wronged you, he’s been punished these past hundred years. Will you abandon him forever?”

Fei Jing hesitated. “Before I leave… I’ll see him once. After settling our affairs, we’ll each go our separate ways.”

Ying Feng got the answer he wanted and didn’t pry further. Returning to their original spot, Ling Xiao had grown impatient.

“What took you so long?” he complained.

“They will stay,” Ying Feng informed.

Ling Xiao’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“But keep it quiet. They are fugitives from Tianxiu. Wolf Star is a subordinate to Tianxiu. If word gets out, the military will come, endangering the whole tribe.”

The proxy Wolf King stepped forward. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure the entire tribe keeps this a secret. If they remain silent and judge solely by their appearance, others will only assume they are young people from Wolf Star and won’t be suspicious.”

“Then I’ll leave it up to you. It’s getting late; we should head back.”

Ling Xiao bid farewell to Fei Jing as they prepared to leave.

“If you decide to return to Tianxiu to find your Qizi, let me know. I’ll help with all my might.”

Fei Jing, puzzled, glanced at Ying Feng, realizing he hadn’t told Ling Xiao the entire truth.

“Just because you sheltered our people doesn’t mean we’re friends. We still stand opposed.”

“Do you really admire Tai Yin that much?”

“I’m not his admirer, nor do I agree with what he did to Shang Yang,” Fei Jing admitted. “But for the past thirty years, we lived and fought together. So, if you confront him again…”

He looked up earnestly. “I will stand by his side.”

Ling Xiao wasn’t angry, but instead, he just smiled.

“I get it! Anyway, thank you for helping me find the dagger.”

He pulled out the dagger, facing him with the side that bore the Kui’s image. “It’s very important to me. Just for this, I consider you a friend.”

Fei Jing was taken aback for a moment, then looked away awkwardly. Ling Xiao found it amusing; although he looked similar to Ying Feng, his facial expressions were far more varied. Combined with the external illusion, he seemed like a smaller version of a tsundere Ying Feng.

Thinking of this, he glanced at Ying Feng, who gave him a puzzled look in return. Ling Xiao sighed inwardly, realizing he’d never get to see a shy version of Ying Feng in this lifetime.

“Let’s go. See you again!” He waved enthusiastically at everyone.

The Elder Wolf King led the tribe in bidding them farewell. “Wolf King, remember to return at least once a year. Otherwise, you’ll be seen as abandoning the Wolf King’s identity.”

“I know,” Ying Feng briefly said goodbye. Amidst the tribe’s farewell, he left with Ling Xiao.

Back at the meeting point, the markings on Ling Xiao’s face inevitably led to interrogation and ridicule from Red Head. To protect Fei Hing’s secret, Ling Xiao had to be vague and evasive. The thrilling experiences he had intended to brag about remained unsaid, along with his identity as the Wolf Queen.

Come evening roll call, the instructor was furious.

“It’s because each of you adapts differently that the school arranged for free activities. But this doesn’t mean you can do as you please and disappear. Do you have no discipline as military students?”

Ling Xiao and the others stood straight, facing forward, showing the best apologetic attitude.

Seeing their response, the instructor’s anger lessened slightly. “Starting tomorrow, those who stayed out all night or didn’t leave their rooms will have double the training of their peers. Any objections?”

“No, instructor!” the four replied in unison.

“Dismissed!”

The instructor waved them away. Those who broke the rules were the same four who had been admitted despite not meeting the usual criteria, proving to be problematic students. Yet, their combat performance was outstanding, making them both a blessing and a curse. The increased training was for their own improvement.

The dormitory in Wolf Star wasn’t designed exclusively for joint combat; each room was standard double occupancy. A corridor separated the two single beds, which became an obstacle for Ling Xiao’s sleep.

Tossing and turning on his bed, Ling Xiao almost fell off multiple times. Disturbed, Ying Feng, who was unable to sleep, reprimanded, “Can you be quiet for a bit?”

Ling Xiao tugged at the blanket corner with a pitiful look. “I can’t sleep alone.”

Predicting this, Ying Feng shifted, making room. “Come here.”

Ling Xiao happily threw his blanket aside and nestled into Ying Feng’s embrace so quickly that Ying Feng didn’t have time to react.

“I just realized, this is more convenient.”

Ling Xiao: “…Don’t you think using mental power for such a short distance is a waste?”

They were separated by just a meter-long corridor!

Ignoring him, Ying Feng hugged Ling Xiao. “Sleep.”

Ling Xiao pondered a moment before pushing it aside, happily hugging Ying Feng. He assumed this would help him sleep, but he remained awake.

“What’s the matter now?” Ying Feng asked, sensing Ling Xiao’s restlessness.

Ling Xiao pouted. “It’s cramped with two people.”

“Then go back.”

Ling Xiao clung tighter. “I miss the large bed in the Wolf King’s palace.”

“Stay if you want to fail your internship.”

Ling Xiao went silent but eventually asked, “How do you think Shuang Feng and the others sleep?”

Without opening his eyes, Ying Feng replied, “You can knock and ask.”

…That would be asking for trouble, right?

Suddenly, Ling Xiao had an idea. “How about a hypnotic kiss?”

He wrapped his arms around Ying Feng’s neck and initiated a kiss. Ying Feng reciprocated, and they passionately kissed until Ling Xiao’s mind went fuzzy.

Once they caught their breath, Ling Xiao remembered his intention.

Why am I still awake?

“Where’s the hypnosis?”

“I forgot,” Ying Feng replied nonchalantly.

Ling Xiao was exasperated. “You did that on purpose! You’re such a perve—”

Before he could finish, he was silenced by another kiss and drifted off to sleep.

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