Ying Feng rudely threw Ling Xiao into the dormitory and slammed the door shut.
Having endured all the way, this was the second time Ying Feng had publicly ordered him around. Ling Xiao felt humiliated having to obey someone in public—a feeling Ying Feng would probably never understand. As soon as Ling Xiao regained his balance, he angrily confronted him.
“Ying Feng, do you have to embarrass me in front of so many people?”
“When you were publicly hugging and laughing with others, didn’t you feel embarrassed?”
Only then did Ling Xiao realize what was bothering Ying Feng. “You were having dinner with Zhu Yue, and you still care about our stretching training?”
“I am your Qizhu. Don’t I have the right to control you?”
“But I’m not your possession!” Ling Xiao yelled. “It was me who unilaterally involved you in the coming-of-age ceremony, causing our current relationship. You must wish to be rid of me, right? You might as well have agreed to Zhu Yue. He would be obedient to you, not to mention your elusive lover from the past life. If it were your lover from the past life standing in front of you now, I don’t believe you would have treated them the way you treated me yesterday!”
Ying Feng’s face turned livid. Before he could think, Ling Xiao was suddenly thrown away, crashing into a table, knocking items to the floor.
“Ha.” Ling Xiao chuckled bitterly. “Did I touch a sore spot? I knew it. For your Qizi from the past life, you wouldn’t hesitate to turn against your Qizi in this life.”
He struggled to his feet. “Anyway, when you were immobilized in the training hall, I showed no mercy. You once said you’d get back at me one day. Now that I can’t fight back, it’s a good time to repay what you owe.”
Ying Feng had impulsively thrown a punch, and even now, his hand was still shaking uncontrollably. He always believed he could remain calm in any situation, but recent events had repeatedly tested his limits. Staying would only lead to potential domestic violence. He walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Ying Feng walked through the campus with a dark expression. Even though he didn’t display his anger openly, those passing by could feel his palpable fury and instinctively kept their distance. Anyone with common sense would not provoke him at this time, except for one reckless exception.
“Hey, you seem in quite a mood today. That’s rare for you,” a voice chimed.
Ying Feng glared with hostility at the source, surprised to see Zhen He, the notorious internet addict who rarely ventured outside.
“At least it’s rarer than you not being online,” Ying Feng retorted coldly.
“Don’t be hostile right away,” Zhen He casually approached. “I know what you’ve been through and how bad you feel. I wouldn’t want to be forced into a lifelong bond with someone I didn’t like either.”
Ying Feng’s eyes remained hostile. “Did you come here just to tell me this?”
Zhen He smirked mysteriously. “What if I told you I’m here to help you get out of this situation? Would that be more appealing?”
Ying Feng’s expression changed. “What do you mean?”
“The contract system of the Tianxiu people, once bonded, is irreversible. What if, like you, one could be with someone they love but, due to an accident, become bonded in a coming-of-age ceremony, wasting their life in vain? I feel sorry for you.”
Ying Feng narrowed his eyes, “What can you do?”
“I don’t have a solution now, but with our collective power, we will find one.”
“Who are ‘you’?”
“There are many of us who, like you, are unhappy with irreversible contracts. Although our experiences may differ, our goal is the same. We have the greatest scientist in Tianxiu’s history. With time, breaking the blood bond isn’t a fantasy.”
Ying Feng was silent for a moment before speaking. “I’ve suspected from a long time ago that for someone as young and inexperienced as you, to get a detailed map of the base and tools to hack into computers, there must be a powerful force behind you. I assume the scientist you speak of is the owner of the computer we searched for last time?”
Zhen He smiled without denying it. “Now you know how trustworthy my words are, don’t you?”
“No matter how excellent the former chief of the base was, now he’s just a fugitive. I don’t know who you have in your organization, but I suspect there’s more than one person with a hidden identity. If you’re merely researching a way to break the blood pact, why the need to recruit so many? If what you’re researching is truly beneficial, why would the military oppose it?”
Zhen He was secretly shocked by the other’s keen intuition and chuckled awkwardly. “You think too much…”
“The very fact that Tai Yin couldn’t achieve this in so many years indicates the enormous challenges behind it. To succeed in the experiments, a large number of test subjects are needed, as well as massive funding. And all of this can’t come from legitimate sources. Perhaps that’s your real reason for seeking me?”
“Moreover, Tai Yin’s goal isn’t merely to break an unsatisfactory blood pact. He just wants to reestablish a contract with his Qizi from his past life. There’s no intent to change the system. How is it fair to the inexperienced like you?”
“When people like you group together, engaging in activities against the norms and ethics of our society, you’re essentially standing against the military. In blunt terms, you’re rebels. How can I be sure you won’t harm the entire nation under this banner?”
Zhen He was skeptical. “You talk so high and mighty, yet you spent a lot of money just to possibly identify a past life connection from me?”
“That’s because I had an equal chance to start with them. If they had found someone else in this life before I found them, I would have given up. Now that I’ve lost that chance, I won’t bother them.”
“My coming-of-age ceremony might have been an accident, and I’m not satisfied with this forced bond, but it’s a matter between Ling Xiao and me. I won’t stand against the entire nation just because of my personal misfortune. Unless the Tianxiu’s mate system is a calculated conspiracy, I’ll never betray this country.”
Zhen He looked displeased. “Our paths are different, so there’s no point in discussing further. It’s a shame; I admired your capabilities and hoped to have the chance to fight alongside you. Now, it seems that the possibility is almost zero.”
“Yet, what you say today might not represent your future thoughts. Our lifespans are long. Every day when you have to live with someone you don’t like, I hope your sense of justice doesn’t fade.”
He turned to leave. “If you ever change your mind, you’re always welcome to seek me out.”
“Wait.”
Ying Feng’s voice came from behind. Zhen He, who had just turned around, wore a smug smile, confident as ever. “So, you’ve changed your mind already?”
“Since you failed to win me over, is Ling Xiao your next target?”
Zhen He was caught off guard, even his smile froze.
“Ling Xiao is not like me. A few smooth words from you might easily deceive him. He could become a pawn for you or even a test subject. Thus, I’m giving you a stern warning.”
Ying Feng spoke seriously. “If I find out you’re in contact behind my back, I’ll report the truth to the military. They’ll know our entry into that lab wasn’t accidental and will investigate. I hope you have a good explanation for the information and items you gave me. And these surely aren’t the only items your shop sells, right?”
Zhen He’s smile disappeared completely. “By doing this, you’ll get yourself caught too. I don’t need to explain the difference between intentional and accidental intrusion.”
“If it stops you, I’m willing to go to jail.”
Sparks flew between the two, creating tension in the air. A group of students approached, laughing and chatting. Zhen He noticed a few of his clients among them.
Not wanting to be recognized in public, he quickly left with a parting shot.
“Whether or not you want to break the bond is your business. But remember, if Ling Xiao wishes to, can you stop him? Even if I don’t approach him, maybe one day he’ll come to me. We’ll see.”
After a conversation with Zhen He, Ying Feng’s uncontrollable emotions calmed down. He stood still for a moment, then turned around and walked back.
Ling Xiao didn’t run out this time. He was still in the dorm, but he was online. Seeing this scene, Ying Feng’s heart skipped a beat. Should he wait here for him to get off or go up and command him to get off?
Zhen He welcomed Ying Feng back, but to his surprise, there was an immediate delight waiting for him online.
“Hey, junior, I’m really glad to see you.”
Ling Xiao turned around and saw Zhen He slowly walked in from outside.
“I came to you…”
“I know exactly why you’re here.” Ling Xiao was interrupted by Zhen He as soon as he began speaking. “I’ve thought about what you’re thinking long ago.”
Ling Xiao was astonished. “You know what I want?”
“Of course,” Zhen He confidently replied. “You want to sever your relationship with Ying Feng, am I right?”
Ling Xiao stood still in astonishment for a while, then his eyes lit up. “Is it really possible?”
Zhen He felt inwardly triumphant but didn’t show it. “Do you remember the research of that genius scientist I told you about?”
“He’s not dead? He’s still alive?”
“Of course, a person with a conviction wouldn’t die that easily.”
But Ling Xiao’s expression turned from joy to doubt the next moment. “Was his research successful?”
“It hasn’t yet, but I believe it will succeed soon.”
Ling Xiao’s face fell. “I don’t want it.”
Zhen He, who was just feeling triumphant, instantly felt dejected by this response. “Why? Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?”
Ling Xiao seriously said, “I remember reading Tai Yin’s research diary at the base. He discovered this secret because of the suicide of someone named Shang Yang, which means that his reincarnated Qizi would rather dissipate than be with him. If his experiment succeeds, it will only brew a new tragedy. In the future, who knows how many people, due to the ease of breaking blood pacts, will repeat this tragedy.”
“Forcing someone who doesn’t love you to bind with you is a misfortune, both for the loving and the non-loving party. My experience is a tragedy, and I don’t want more people to go through the same misery. You once said true love is not imprisonment, and you don’t approve of such methods, right?”
“Unions like mine are always a minority. I believe that most families are happy and stable, and I wouldn’t want anything to disrupt that stability. Once such a thing is developed, even if they don’t use it themselves, how can they ensure that others won’t use it with ulterior motives to ruin other families?”
Zhen He was more and more puzzled by these two. “You admit that your union is a tragedy. Don’t you want to end your relationship?”
“I do, I dream of it.” Ling Xiao paused, then spat out, “I haven’t slept; daydreaming is all I do. Becoming a Qizi is more painful than I imagined. I didn’t understand why my good friend would commit suicide, but now I get it a bit. But I promised him I wouldn’t do anything I’d regret and that I’d wait for him. That’s why I’ve held on. Like you said, someone with conviction wouldn’t die that easily.”
“No one hates today’s outcome more than me. There was even a moment when I wanted to die with him, but this is between the two of us and can only be resolved between us. If I could regain my freedom, I’d give up many things—my lifespan, my abilities, even sacrificing a hand, a leg, a head… No, not the head. Even if I have to endure mental torture every day, it’s worth it, because nothing can be worse than now. But this doesn’t mean that the freedom I regain should come at the cost of others’ freedom. Even if it’s just daydreaming, I don’t want to make it come true this way.”
Zhen He looked at him incredulously, as if he saw Ying Feng standing behind him. Different times, different places, different people—but they spoke the same words.
“It’s unfortunate, but I don’t want to become one of your test subjects, and I certainly don’t want to aid in wrongdoing. I’ll handle my own affairs in my own way.”
Zhen He shook his head in confusion. “If that’s not what you’re here for, then why did you come to me today?”
“I just wanted to ask if you have any part-time jobs available, so I can earn some pocket money.”
Zhen He couldn’t help but laugh mockingly. “Pocket money? Your Qizhu is so wealthy, and you still need to work for your own living expenses?”
Ling Xiao seemed not to hear. “But now that I know you’re Tai Yin’s accomplice, it’s no wonder you were so familiar with his affairs. I don’t want to take your money. Since our paths differ, I will keep my distance from you. Just pretend I never came here today.”
Zhen He couldn’t resist calling out to the departing Ling Xiao. “What if I told you that I just met with Ying Feng, and he’s very interested in my proposal? You might be able to control yourself, but can you stop him?”
Ling Xiao pondered for a moment. “If he truly said that, I wouldn’t be surprised.” He raised his head. “But I would report you all to the military department.”
Zhen He narrowed his eyes.
“I admit that I despise him deeply, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stand by and watch him go down the wrong path. If it wasn’t for this accident, he would have probably smoothly entered the military academy, joined the military, fought for the country, and become the pride of the entire nation. Regardless of whether we can find the damned owner of that peach pit, that’s the path he should be on.”
After returning to the dormitory, Ying Feng didn’t find any sign of Ling Xiao, just as he expected. As time passed, there was still no indication of Ling Xiao’s return.
Earlier that day, Ying Feng had just learned the basics of controlling another’s mind. It felt like discovering an uncharted land, and he was eager to determine the extent of his new-found power and whether he could do whatever he wished on this land.
Closing his eyes, Ying Feng recalled the words spoken by Yao Tai that morning. Following her guidance, he spread his consciousness infinitely.
The thoughts he sent out were like beams of light with eyes, quickly and thoroughly scanning every corner of the academy. Soon, Ling Xiao appeared before him, roaring, shouting, and violently slashing at those beams of light. He resisted Ying Feng’s intrusion, summoning multiple images of himself to attack Ying Feng’s spirit.
Ying Feng stood unflinchingly as blows came from all directions.
“They’re all illusions.”
With those words, the illusions disappeared one by one.
“Insignificant,” he commented coldly.
Continuing forward, he saw various images of Ling Xiao: some stared at him with defiance, some were overtly hostile, some were pale-faced, and others trembled in fear. He dismissed each of them, believing they were mere virtual shadows. As he walked past each one, it vanished, being ignored to oblivion.
Ying Feng moved through the crowd of Ling Xiao’s images until all the illusions were gone. What remained before him was a single, crying Ling Xiao with tears streaming down his face. Ying Feng’s steps slowed.
“Please, don’t come any closer,” the figure pleaded.
Ying Feng stared for a moment. “You’re not the real Ling Xiao. The real one would never say such things.”
Upon hearing this, the figure’s expression shifted from sorrow to despair, and with a bang, it vanished. Back in the physical realm, Ying Feng suddenly opened his eyes and saw a vision.
Ling Xiao lay on a large stone platform, surrounded by twilight. Recognizing the setting as the rooftop of the teaching building, Ying Feng realized that the place where Ling Xiao lay was the same spot from where he had overheard his conversation with Zhu Yue.
After pinpointing Ling Xiao’s location, Ying Feng discreetly withdrew his consciousness. This whole event happened unbeknownst to all. As for Ling Xiao, he felt nothing. It wasn’t until curfew that the dormitory door was reluctantly pushed open. Ling Xiao had hoped to return after Ying Feng had fallen asleep, only to find him sitting alertly on the single sofa, watching him intently from the moment he entered.
Being watched in such a manner felt even worse than being ignored, especially with the clear displeasure evident in Ying Feng’s eyes.
“Where have you been?” he inquired.
Ling Xiao hadn’t expected Ying Feng to question his actions and, not wanting to answer, turned his head away.
“Where have you been?” Ying Feng pressed.
A sudden surge of anger rose within Ling Xiao. He confronted Ying Feng. “Can’t you see for yourself?”
Just as he finished speaking, Ling Xiao suddenly crumpled to the floor, hands trembling violently against the ground, breath coming in short gasps, pupils constricted, and cold sweat dripping down his face onto the smooth floor.
His back arching, a wave of terror gripped Ling Xiao, rendering every muscle taut and uncontrollably trembling. Desperately raising his head, drenched eyelashes clouding his vision, he tried to see the person before him, unable to believe that he would do such a thing.
Ying Feng, who had imposed a daunting effect on Ling Xiao, now realized the full extent of what Yao Tai had described as total physiological and psychological domination. With a mere thought, he could completely overpower another, even the most stubborn of Qizi could not resist the force of their Qizhu.
“Where did you go?” he asked for the third time.
Ling Xiao’s lips moved, but he couldn’t make a sound. Ying Feng slightly reduced his power.
“The… The rooftop…” Ling Xiao finally said weakly.
Just after he finished speaking, the overwhelming presence above him vanished. It felt as if someone was suddenly relieved from extreme tension, the whole body felt limp, and they were so weak that they couldn’t muster any strength. If not for the last shred of dignity holding him up, he would have fallen to the ground.
“You’re not allowed to come back this late ever again,” he warned.
Ling Xiao struggled to lift his head, but the best he could do was raise his eyes. The fear had faded, and anger surged anew.
“If you have any abilities, use them all at once,” he said through gritted teeth, “but don’t think I’ll obey you.”
This was precisely what Ying Feng wanted to test—how much he could control the other person. He slightly closed his eyes, and with a thought, Ling Xiao’s condition rapidly changed.
Ling Xiao maintained the humiliating posture from before. His rapid breathing gradually slowed down, but each breath became more prolonged and heavier. His previously pale cheeks now showed a hint of red.
His constricted pupils dilated until they lost focus. The floor blurred before his eyes, but the sound of his sweat dropping became incredibly clear. A tingling sensation spread from his fingertips to his heart, feeling like thousands of ants crawling in his veins. A trembling sensation from his lower abdomen felt like an unquenchable flame ignited inside him.
He knew this was Ying Feng’s handiwork. However, he gritted his teeth, struggling not to make any sound. The palms that had been against the ground clenched into tight fists, nails digging into the flesh, using pain to resist the desire.
Seeing Ling Xiao resist so hard, Ying Feng intensified the effect, eventually forcing a moan from Ling Xiao. This moan from the ever-defiant Ling Xiao greatly satisfied Ying Feng. For the first time since their pact, he was somewhat pleased with their relationship.
Ying Feng, satisfied, removed his psychic control and went to sleep, leaving Ling Xiao almost paralyzed with sweat pooling on the floor.
By the time Ling Xiao managed to get up, he didn’t know how much time had passed. His legs were weak, effects from the intimidation and arousal. He stumbled and had to lean against the wall to walk. He staggered into the bathroom, unable to distinguish between hot or cold water pouring over his head.
Images of Ping Zong and Lan Sheng flashed before his eyes. The most recurring image was of Lan Sheng jumping off the rooftop. As Ling Xiao felt the sensation of stepping into the void again and again, the figure jumping off changed to himself.
……
The instructor looked over the group and noticed not only Ying Feng but also Ling Xiao were present. Recently, many had participated in the coming-of-age ceremony, and most newlywed couples chose to take leave. It was rare for both to attend class.
“Today’s first training is resilience practice. Pair up for thirty minutes.”
Ting Lei turned around and immediately saw Ling Xiao.
“I’m pairing with you,” he decided for him.
“Uh,” Ting Lei, remembering yesterday’s event, glanced uneasily at Ying Feng in the distance, who was also looking back with displeasure. “Won’t Ying Feng mind?”
“Who cares about him?”
Ling Xiao insisted, and Ting Lei reluctantly agreed.
Ting Lei got into a lunge position, and Ling Xiao helped press down on his leg.
“You look pale. Didn’t you rest well?” After holding back for two days and out of concern for Ling Xiao, he finally asked.
“I’m fine.” Ling Xiao brushed it off.
“If you’re tired, just take a leave,” Ting Lei said, noticing that among those who had completed the coming-of-age ceremony, they were the only ones attending the class.
“I told you, I’m fine. Stop fussing.”
“You say you’re fine, but you’re so weak. It’s like you haven’t eaten. Let me press your leg instead.”
Ting Lei switched places without waiting for an answer. “I saw Ying Feng having lunch with Zhu Yue in the cafeteria yesterday.”
“What’s that got to do with me?”
“You two have already made a pact. Even if you didn’t get along before, you should try now. Anyone would get angry hearing this. It’s different when ordinary friends eat together. Zhu Yue had been ardently pursuing Ying Feng and hasn’t given up even now. You should be wary of him plotting against you in the future.”
“I never thought you were this nosy,” Ling Xiao interrupted him. “I said I don’t want to hear about him. Whoever he dines with has nothing to do with me.”
Ting Lei knew it was useless to continue arguing. It seemed that the two had a lot to grind out. They changed positions, standing back-to-back to carry each other. Ting Lei easily carried Ling Xiao.
“Ling Xiao, I feel you’re light. Haven’t you been eating recently?”
“Stop with the nonsense.”
“Can you even manage? Maybe you shouldn’t carry me. I’m afraid I might crush you.”
Unwilling to back down, Ling Xiao exerted force and managed to lift Ting Lei. But as he bent over, his vision darkened. In that fleeting moment, he toppled over, with Ting Lei crashing down on top of him.
“Ouch!” Ting Lei yelled loudly, drawing attention from those around them. “See, I told you not to overdo it!”
Ling Xiao, hurt from the fall, retorted, “What are you shouting about? Get up!”
Ting Lei struggled. “I twisted my back! It’s not that I don’t want to get up.”
As they were bickering, someone effortlessly lifted the burly Ting Lei by his belt and threw him several meters away.
With the weight off him, Ling Xiao sprung up. Standing before him was Ying Feng.
“You look pathetic.” Ying Feng’s face was grim.
Ling Xiao, already embarrassed by the fall and upset by Ting Lei’s treatment, snapped, “Mind your own business!”
Ying Feng coldly glared at him. “Come with me.”
“On what grounds? We’re in class!”
Ignoring him, Ying Feng turned to leave. Ling Xiao wanted to refuse but involuntarily followed, leaving everyone, including the instructor, in a dilemma—after all, they were a couple, and some matters were best settled behind closed doors.
Once the two left, friends hurriedly helped the injured Ting Lei.
“Is Ying Feng out of his mind?” Ting Lei groaned. “We were just training.”
“I saw you touching Ling Xiao’s leg,” a classmate commented without emotion.
“That was a leg press!”
“And his waist,” another added.
“That was bending down! Don’t you guys do these moves all the time?”
“Not anymore. They’ve formed a bond. You shouldn’t have intervened.”
“It wasn’t my idea! Ling Xiao approached me. Now help me to the infirmary.”
At the infirmary, seeing Ting Lei’s funny appearance, Yao Tai naturally couldn’t avoid some inquiries. After listening to the account, she sneered.
“Serves you right. They just bonded, and you dared to be so intimate with Ling Xiao in front of Ying Feng. Are you courting death?”
Ting Lei was puzzled. “We’re just good friends. It was just normal stretching.”
“That doesn’t matter. Do you think only the Qizi has turbulent phases? The Qizhu are also emotionally unstable during this period, establishing ownership rights. At a time like this, you come up and overly socialize with Ling Xiao; it’s already polite of him to not beat you up.”
She paused, sensing something amiss. She hoped she was just overthinking, and that Ying Feng wouldn’t vent his anger on Ling Xiao.
“So, is every Qizhu this neurotic?”
“That’s not being neurotic; it’s our physiological instinct. Even if this period passes, such possessiveness will only fade, not disappear. Especially considering that Ying Feng has an inherently strong desire for control,” Yao Tai said with force, adjusting Ting Lei’s waist. Ting Lei screamed out in pain. “If you don’t believe me, you can flirt with the doctor in front of me and see if I’ll let you off.”
All three of them shook their heads in unison, as if shaking a rattle drum.
Ting Lei ventured to ask, “Does Ying Feng getting angry indicate that he has feelings for Ling Xiao?”
Yao Tai replied impatiently, “A dog finds a bone, licks it twice, and thinks it’s its own. Can that be called having feelings? Both of them are so stubborn. If neither is willing to compromise, their relationship will never improve.”
Everyone present immediately became worried about Ling Xiao’s future.
“Dr. Yao, based on what you’ve said, does it mean that a Qizi can’t even have friends?”
“They can still socialize. Right now, Ling Xiao needs encouragement. As his friends, you should support him as much as possible. However, you must be cautious. For the next ten days—no, a month—try to avoid physical contact, especially in front of Ying Feng. This time it’s just a sprained waist; I can’t guarantee what might happen next time.”
Everyone nodded, taking the advice to heart.
“It’s over.” Ting Lei suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. “Ying Feng took Ling Xiao away angrily just now. If the situation is as serious as Dr. Yao described, would he lose control of his emotions and become abusive towards Ling Xiao?”
When Ying Feng and Ling Xiao appeared one after the other, the noisy classroom fell into an eerie silence. News about the two of them had spread throughout the campus the day before, but when their classmates, who had been with them day and night, witnessed the contrasting color changes in their eyes, their shock was beyond words.
Bystanders were speechless, and Ling Xiao’s friends were awkwardly at a loss for how to comfort. If Zhu Yue could be considered a friend of Ying Feng, the rage in his eyes was beyond description.
The tense situation continued until the arrival of the instructor and the Director of Discipline.
The first to speak was the Director of Discipline, who was in charge of the school’s discipline. Whenever he spoke, it was always bad news.
“During the last health and physiology class, tenth-grade students were organized to visit the base. During this, two students from this class seriously violated the rules. The public punishment is as follows—”
“Students Ying Feng and Ling Xiao, despite clearly seeing the ‘Entry Prohibited’ sign, broke into the base laboratory. Both are recorded with a major demerit.”
“Student Ling Xiao, for stealing prohibited drugs, also receives a major demerit. With a total of two demerits, he will graduate late and be on probation.”
“I object.” Zhu Yue raised his hand. “It was clearly only Ling Xiao who stole, why is Ying Feng also punished?”
“Ying Feng is Ling Xiao’s Qizhu. If the Qizi makes a mistake, it means the Qizhu’s guidance was insufficient. They share the responsibility.”
“They weren’t in that relationship when he stole!”
“The relationship is determined at the time of the offense, not before. It’s the rule. There’s no need for further discussion,” the Director of Discipline firmly overruled Zhu Yue’s objection. “The school’s punishment is just the beginning. Their actions were severe and violated the law. The final judgment will be made by the military. The academy has no right to interfere. I hope all students will take this as a warning and not make the same mistake.”
After announcing the punishment, the instructor took over.
“During this field training, some accidents occurred. Considering the unique circumstances, this year’s training results will not be included in the grade calculation.”
“Fortunately, no students were harmed. In the future, we will strengthen the safety measures for field training to ensure such incidents don’t happen again.”
Switching topics, he said, “Regarding the epic rare wild species, they have not been a significant part of our curriculum. This is partly due to the low probability of encountering them and partly due to the lack of detailed information.”
“Today, we will supplement our understanding of one characteristic of the 3S-species.” He turned and drew a few things on the board. Zhu Yue’s eyes widened uncontrollably at one of them.
“We know that every beast has a soul stone within it. What we see now are rare minerals that counteract the soul stone, called the soul binding stone.”
“On our planet, there are twelve known 3S-species, each with its corresponding soul binding stone. The biggest difference between the two is that soul binding stones don’t exist within creatures and even maintain a certain distance from them. Yet, wherever an epic creature appears, a soul binding stone is sure to be within a 500-meter radius.”
“Soul stones and soul binding stones are interdependent pairs. Epic creatures have varying dormant periods, and during these periods, their soul stones are also dormant. But once a soul binding stone is moved, the soul stone inevitably activates, and its owner awakens.”
The instructor and the Director of Discipline scanned the faces of the students, searching for any hint of guilt. Zhu Yue, feeling uneasy, lowered his head, hoping to avoid their scrutiny.
“You’ve probably heard that yesterday, a Kui appeared in the mine where you were training. Before the trip, the school scanned the entire area to ensure no active rare creatures were present.”
“After the incident, the military conducted a thorough search of the area but found no trace of the soul binding stone. Thus, we suspect a student might have inadvertently taken it.”
“It was our mistake not to educate everyone about the soul binding stone in advance. If anyone unknowingly moved it, the school will not blame them.”
“However, the soul binding stone is not the same as the soul stone. It’s a special energy mineral that can have adverse effects on a human’s soul. So, if any student has come across it, please hand it in promptly to avoid uncontrollable consequences. That’s all.”
After the two left, murmurs of discussion began to rise in the quiet classroom. Zhu Yue had just been startled, but now that the crisis had passed, he bravely lifted his head again.
“Haha,” he suddenly scoffed in a mocking tone, making an anonymous taunt that sounded particularly grating amidst the low discussions. “Those who always brag about wanting to be the Qizhu end up becoming someone else’s Qizi, even causing others to get punished and be unable to advance in their studies.”
Several of Ling Xiao’s close friends stood up in unison. “Who are you talking about?”
“Do you even have to ask? Who once shamelessly said they’d take someone’s heart’s blood but, even after stealing medicine, still failed? Such a disgrace, why not just jump off a building like your best friend?”
Before Ling Xiao’s friends could react, Zhu Yue was yanked from his seat and punched so hard that he knocked over several desks. The students involved wisely moved aside.
“You can insult me however you want, but I won’t let you speak of Lan Sheng like that,” Ling Xiao warned with a grim face.
Sitting on the ground, clutching half of his face, Zhu Yue defiantly retorted, “What’s the difference between you and him? All of you think too highly of yourselves, assuming you’d become the Qizhu, but end up losing miserably. It’s a pity he didn’t succeed in dying. Why don’t you fulfill that wish for him?”
Ling Xiao, in rage, lifted Zhu Yue from the ground by his collar. His clenched fist, raised high, suddenly froze mid-air. Not just his fist, but his entire body seemed paralyzed.
Struggling to turn his head, he looked in disbelief at the person sitting at the back of the class.
How could he forget? When Lan Sheng was on the brink of death, Ping Zong couldn’t bear to invade his mental barrier. Yet, a day after confirming his relationship with Ying Feng, the latter could easily control his actions.
“Behave yourself,” Ying Feng said coldly.
Only after he spoke did he release his mental control. Ling Xiao, feeling drained, weakly let go of Zhu Yue’s collar.
Upon witnessing this, Zhu Yue grew even more resentful of their special relationship. “So mighty, yet now so obedient? This isn’t like you…” His words were cut short as a paper ball shot into his open mouth, hitting his tongue with enough force to draw blood.
“Shut up.”
Most of the classmates were already somewhat fearful of Ying Feng. His aura seemed even more intense after becoming a Qizhu. His black eyes were too intimidating to meet, and no one dared to challenge his commands.
Spitting out the bloodied paper ball, Zhu Yue angrily set the overturned furniture right, deliberately making a loud noise to vent his frustration.
Ling Xiao was half-supported, half-coaxed back to his seat by friends who patted his shoulder in comfort.
Ting Lei, perhaps Ling Xiao’s closest friend besides Ping Zong and Lan Sheng, gave him a comforting half-hug. But when he turned and met Ying Feng’s gaze, he shuddered at the hostility it held. Even after returning to his seat, he felt Ying Feng’s eyes on him, making the following classes uncomfortable.
Because of the commotion, the class was on edge all morning. It wasn’t until the afternoon, when the two were absent, that the atmosphere began to relax.
Meanwhile, Ying Feng and Ling Xiao were at the closest spouse registration office to Bikong. The glaring sign overhead was painfully bright. Ling Xiao had once dreamt of coming here hand in hand with his beloved, solemnly writing their names on the document. But when the moment arrived, both sides were cold to each other.
Filling out the form was Ying Feng. Ling Xiao, standing beside him, clearly watched him write:
Qizhu: Ying Feng; Adult Age: 10 years in fledgling state; Awakening Date: New Year 4016, August 12th
Qizi: Ling Xiao; Adult Age: 10 years in fledgling state; Awakening Date: New Year 4016, August 12th
Coming-of-age Ceremony Date: New Year 4026, September 7th
After filling out the form, the staff quickly checked it over. “Awakened on the same day and coming of age on the same day. You and your Qizi truly have a deep connection. Congratulations.”
“My name is Ling Xiao,” Ling Xiao suddenly interjected.
The staff smiled and nodded. “Congratulations to you as well.”
He collected the form. “After reaching adulthood, you will get a new personal terminal. Please hand over your original ones.”
“It’s damaged,” Ying Feng replied succinctly.
The staff was taken aback. “Damaged during the coming-of-age ceremony?”
Ying Feng didn’t wish to explain, so the staff assumed that was the case.
“In that case, please sign this document—both you and your Qizi.”
“My name is Ling Xiao. I have a name.”
“I’m sorry, Ling Xiao. Please sign as well. Thank you.”
After both signed the document, the staff transferred their data to the new terminals. Ying Feng’s looked much the same, but Ling Xiao’s was a size smaller.
“All your data has been imported. The adult personal terminal has many new features compared to the fledgling version. There’s a user manual stored inside, so I won’t go into details.”
He continued, “With the new terminal’s identity verification, you can access all public areas of the Tianyuan Network. Currently, many higher education institutions have set up virtual campuses online. I suggest you explore them when you have time to prepare for future studies. Here’s the college preference form. Once filled out, submit it to the school’s admissions office.”
Ling Xiao watched as the staff handed a form to Ying Feng but none to him.
“Where’s my preference form?” he asked.
The staff pointed to Ying Feng’s form. “The supplementary form is right below the main one. The primary Qizhu fills it out.”
“Why can’t I fill out my own preference?”
The staff chuckled and explained, “Both partners are admitted together. If you choose institutions in separate places, it won’t be good for you.”
“It’s my decision, whether it’s good or bad.”
The staff turned to Ying Feng. “Try to persuade your… Ling Xiao.”
He remembered the name this time, but his correction in mid-sentence sounded awkward.
“Ah,” Ling Xiao’s hand suddenly jerked back. Just now, an electric current passed through his fingertips, causing a brief moment of pain. Although it lasted for only a short time, it served as a clear warning.
Seeing this, the staff sighed. “It’s about persuading, not controlling. Youngsters these days can be so impulsive.”
Seeing Ling Xiao upset, the staff handed him a business card from under the table. “Here, take this. My Qizi runs a jewelry store nearby. Present this card and get a 98% discount on rings. Pick an expensive one and let your Qizhu pay.”
Ling Xiao, with a cold expression, refused to take it. The staff’s hand hovered awkwardly in midair. Eventually, Ying Feng took the card.
“Anything else?” he asked.
“No,” the staff replied with relief, rarely encountering such a mismatched pair of newlyweds. “Congratulations on becoming official partners. Would you like to make a vow?”
“No need,” they both said in unison.
The staff shrugged. “Alright then, wishing you a happy union.”
By the time the two returned to the academy, it was dinner time. Ying Feng knew Ling Xiao was following a few meters behind, but soon after entering the school gate, he disappeared.
Not wanting to wonder where he went, Ying Feng, perhaps due to the growth after reaching adulthood, felt hungrier than usual.
The cafeteria worker served him a single portion, which wasn’t enough, so they added more, but it was still not enough.
“Can I have some more?”
The worker finally looked up and noticed Ying Feng’s eyes, which clearly indicated his status.
“Oh, you’ve come of age. Congratulations.” She not only gave Ying Feng extra rice but also fetched a can of milk from the storage cabinet. “Make sure to nourish yourself during the growth period.”
Ying Feng took a tray that seemed to hold portions for almost two and a half people and found a quiet spot. However, it wasn’t long before an unwelcome person took the seat opposite him.
Zhu Yue took a seat opposite Ying Feng, uninvited. “Back then, you rejected my heartfelt affection. Now, you’re forced to be with someone who dislikes you. If you had known, it might have been better to choose someone who actually liked you.”
Ying Feng kept his head down, focusing on his meal, but Zhu Yue continued to speak indignantly. “He even dared to steal from the base. It must have been to target you. Knowing he couldn’t beat you, he resorted to such despicable means to outdo you…”
Finally, Ying Feng put down his utensils. The noise interrupted Zhu Yue mid-sentence. Being closely stared at by Ying Feng’s black eyes for the first time, Zhu Yue realized that Ying Feng had become colder than before.
“This is my personal matter. What does it have to do with you?”
Those mere words left Zhu Yue speechless. He had assumed that even if Ying Feng treated him coldly like before, he would at least recognize the truth in his words, given the evident strained relationship from this morning’s events. Seeing Zhu Yue still frozen there and unwilling to leave, Ying Feng issued a clear directive. “I don’t want my appetite ruined by unrelated people. There are many empty seats here. Please leave.”
Zhu Yue stood up; his face darkened with embarrassment. Yet, before he could take a step, he heard Ying Feng’s voice from behind, steady but filled with undeniable authority. “Regardless of how Ling Xiao and I are related, he is now my Qizi. I don’t wish to hear words like this morning again.”
Over time, Zhu Yue’s one-sided admiration finally twisted into a distorted determination on this very day, when all hope was lost. Ying Feng would never know how those few words had laid the groundwork for significant future dangers in Tianxiu. Many would pay the price for it, and all of this stemmed from casually defending someone.
The author has something to say:
Ling Xiao is currently going through the most tumultuous period of his life. He is strong, and I believe he will persevere. I will steadfastly stand by him and accompany him through it.
Kinky Thoughts:
Author… you literally wrote him in this predicament.
Ying Feng sat alone on the bench in the corridor of the medical building. Subconsciously, he continued his usual habit, taking out the peach pit and slowly rubbing it in his hand. But the calmness he usually felt when doing this was absent today. Instead, he felt more restless, and the object in his hand mysteriously seemed heavier, prompting him to hastily put it away.
Ling Xiao spent much more time inside than he did. He wondered what Yao Tai could be discussing with him that would take so long. The corridor was quiet, and he could faintly hear some sounds from the room. If he wished, he could listen more clearly. But he deliberately turned off the part of his brain that processes external information, turning the conversation behind the wall into an indistinguishable blur.
After what felt like an eternity, the closed door finally opened, and Yao Tai escorted Ling Xiao out herself.
“You should go and pack your belongings now. It might be too late if you delay any further. I’ll inform you if there’s anything else.”
Ying Feng didn’t understand what she meant by “pack your belongings” until after Ling Xiao had left. Only then did Yao Tai say to him, “You can come in now.”
Upon re-entering the medical room, Yao Tai remained silent, merely staring at Ying Feng with an indecipherable expression, making him uneasy.
“What’s the matter?” Finally, even someone of Ying Feng’s temperament couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer and had to ask.
“You two have already… done it, haven’t you?”
The bluntness of her question caught Ying Feng off guard, and there was a brief moment of unease on his face before he tacitly confirmed.
Actually, it was quite evident. When Ling Xiao took off his shirt, Yao Tai had spotted something suspicious, and his medical report solidified that observation.
“Other than that, I can’t think of any reason that would suppress the side effects raging within Ling Xiao. According to the medication records from the medical station, they didn’t even administer a purifying agent to Ling Xiao. That both of you, by some twist of fate, managed to save each other’s lives—even as a scientist, I have to admit that sometimes destiny is indeed magical.”
No matter how mature and composed Ying Feng usually appeared, he had only just become an adult less than a day ago. He couldn’t discuss such matters as casually as Yao Tai. So even if he didn’t fully understand some parts of her explanation, he pretended to be indifferent and refrained from asking.
Recognizing his discomfort on the topic, Yao Tai moved on without elaborating and placed two medical reports in front of Ying Feng.
“When Ling Xiao was at the medical station, his psychological assessment was low risk. In less than two hours, it became high risk. Can you explain why?”
Ying Feng hadn’t expected such a drastic change. “He was taken directly from the medical station to the detention center by military personnel. But we quickly bailed him out. The entire process didn’t exceed half an hour,” he summarized succinctly.
Yao Tai had suspected as much. “Ling Xiao’s current psychological assessment is Level E, which is high risk. Level F is a severe warning level, akin to the mental state Lan Sheng was in. If Ling Xiao drops to F, for safety reasons, we must isolate him. However, I really don’t want to do that. Even the most advanced medical treatments can’t compare to the company of a Qizhu. Forced isolation often leads to the Qizi’s mental state deteriorating further, eventually reaching Level G.”
“And once the psychological rating drops to Level G, the suicide rate is 99%. The only difference is between succeeding or failing. Even though Ling Xiao appears calm on the surface, this tranquility could be a sign of utter despair. This must be taken very seriously.”
“No matter whether you two were brought together by choice or circumstance, what’s done is done. He is now your Qizi. You have the responsibility to protect him.”
“A Qizi, especially one who has just completed the coming-of-age ceremony, is easily influenced by their Qizhu. Your words, actions, and behavior can push them towards extremities. The ten days following the coming-of-age ceremony are crucial. Any minor misstep could result in irreversible psychological damage.”
“The colder you are towards him, the more his unease will intensify. Once negative emotions accumulate to a certain level, he might resort to self-harm or even worse outcomes. As a school doctor who has witnessed nearly a hundred tragedies, I am not exaggerating the gravity of the situation.”
Ying Feng fell silent for a moment. “What do you want me to do?”
“Embrace and caress, care for every detail. These can alleviate the unease of a new Qizi, depending on whether you’re willing to do it.”
“What if I’m not willing?”
“Then control him. Control his heart, dominate his actions, and prevent him from harming himself.”
“How do I do that?”
“Focus on breaking through his mental barrier. Regardless of how much he resists or how much pain he displays, ignore it.”
“Is this how you treated the doctor before?”
“We’re different. I never faced such dire circumstances. I took ample time to gradually weaken his mental defenses, slowly penetrating his heart. It took me about six months to master this ability.”
“How can you be sure that the ability you took half a year to master, I can acquire in such a short time?”
“As long as you focus, you can do it. It shouldn’t be difficult for you.”
“If it’s so simple, why couldn’t Ping Zong do it?”
“Because he had feelings for Lan Sheng. Do you have feelings for Ling Xiao?”
Yao Tai hit the nail on the head, and Ying Feng didn’t respond.
“Ying Feng, Lan Sheng, and Ping Zong were your classmates too. You were there when the accident happened. I believe it must have affected you. Can you bear to see Ling Xiao follow in their footsteps?”
“You’ve been classmates with Ling Xiao for ten years. Even if there isn’t love, isn’t there some sort of camaraderie? Please, I don’t want to see another soul leave this academy.”
Ying Feng’s gaze flickered, avoiding her expectant look.
“There’s one more thing, perhaps, as the school doctor, I shouldn’t say. Out of all the tenth graders, the two I least wish to face during the coming-of-age ceremony are you two.”
“But if you two inevitably face each other, a winner must be decided.” Yao Tai’s gaze was complicated as she looked at him. “Ying Feng, I hope it’s you.”
Ying Feng was slightly moved.
“I admit, it’s unfair to Ling Xiao to think this way, but if you lose, I know you wouldn’t choose to live.”
“But if Ling Xiao loses, whether he can survive depends on you, and moreover…”
Yao Tai’s voice suddenly stopped, and Ying Feng found it odd. “Moreover what?”
I’ve already been humiliated enough. Please let me retain the last bit of my dignity.
Yao Tai shook her head, dismissing the lingering image from her mind. “Never mind, Ling Xiao should be waiting outside your dorm by now. You should hurry back.”
“Why is he waiting outside?”
“Don’t you know? Qizi doesn’t have the right to own a key card. Once he becomes a Qizi, his card will be demagnetized, and his dorm will be canceled. He can only stay with you. This is also for his psychological well-being. Being alone would make him anxious, especially at night. Remember my words, only you can help him.”
Yao Tai saw Ying Feng out. When he was out of sight, she turned to find someone standing in the dark corridor.
“Principal? Why are you here?”
The principal slowly emerged. “I was worried, so I came to check.”
“I’ve said everything. As to whether they can do it,” Yao Tai wasn’t very hopeful, “it’s up to them.”
“What do you think will happen?”
Yao Tai sighed deeply and shook her head. “If someone doesn’t realize their feelings in time, by the time they do, it’s often too late.”
……
Ying Feng returned to his dorm to find Ling Xiao indeed waiting outside.
He and his luggage were standing there alone, resembling a homeless stray dog.
Ying Feng slowed his pace, stretching out the time to absorb this scene. Lost in thought, Ling Xiao only noticed him at the last second.
He immediately turned his head, this moment felt even more awkward than when Ying Feng had cruelly pinned him to a door during a previous encounter.
Ying Feng entered without another word, leaving the door ajar without inviting Ling Xiao in. Ling Xiao hesitated for a long time before finally stepping inside. The layout of Ying Feng’s room was the same as his own. He now understood why single dorm rooms had double beds. Recalling how he had once joked it was to prevent falling off during sleep seemed so absurd now.
Ying Feng showed no reaction to the sudden addition of someone in his bedroom, as if Ling Xiao’s presence or absence had nothing to do with him.
Without saying a word, he went about his own business—brushing, turning off the lights, going to bed. Ling Xiao stood there as if he were a redundant decoration. However, even decorations could have aesthetic value, yet the master of the room didn’t even bother to give him a sparing glance.
With the lights off, Ling Xiao actually felt slightly better. He looked at the bed, where Ying Feng had already lain down, occupying the left half, leaving the entire right side empty.
Ling Xiao remembered that in the past, Ying Feng had refused to share a tent with anyone, preferring to sleep outside rather than share a bed. However, looking around, there was nowhere for Ling Xiao to lay his own bedding, especially since his sleeping bag had been taken to their training location and was now missing.
After what seemed like ages of standing in the dark, Ling Xiao finally took a reluctant step.
Although Ying Feng was lying down, he wasn’t asleep until the rustling sounds from within the room reached him. He heard Ling Xiao enter the bathroom, followed by the sound of water. Soon, the water stopped, and footsteps approached the bed.
Ying Feng could imagine the internal struggle Ling Xiao was facing. After an unknown length of time, Ying Feng felt the bed shift, indicating that Ling Xiao had finally lain down, being careful not to be noticed.
Ling Xiao occupied a small edge on the other side of the bed, leaving an entire shoulder-width gap between them on the double bed—enough space for another person to lie comfortably.
The room was incredibly silent. Neither made a sound. This was their “wedding night,” and it had arrived without fanfare.
……
Ying Feng was indeed not suitable for sharing a space with others. It took him a long time to drift into sleep, but he was soon awakened by a peculiar noise.
Propping himself up and turning around, he saw Ling Xiao, who had previously laid down, now curled up in a corner. Despite his efforts to control himself, he was trembling. It was this shaking that had awakened Ying Feng.
Ling Xiao bit hard on his wrist to stifle any noise, his eyes fixed on a spot. Ying Feng remembered learning in class that this method could be used to concentrate and not lose consciousness when experiencing extreme pain.
Because of his ability to perceive any slight illumination in the dark, Ling Xiao’s translucent eyes appeared exceptionally bright, almost as if they glowed. But the emotions they held weren’t of vigor but of fear and unease.
So, this was the dreadful night of the so-called “chaotic period”. If Ying Feng hadn’t witnessed it, he would never have imagined someone with Ling Xiao’s strong-willed nature showing such vulnerability.
“You…”
Before Ying Feng could say more, a pillow was thrown at him. After swatting it away, he saw a Ling Xiao, unlike the daytime version, anger glaring from those luminous eyes, seemingly furious that his current state was seen by Ying Feng.
“Mind your own business!” His voice was out of control, almost hysterical.
Known for being more assertive than anyone, Ying Feng’s concern evaporated. He turned over and ignored Ling Xiao’s current state, pushing away any thoughts of the chaotic period.
For Ling Xiao, every time he closed his eyes, he felt like he was in an endless void. Sometimes floating, sometimes spinning, sometimes in an eternal free fall.
In the infirmary Yao Tai advised that without physical contact between the Qizi and their Qizhu, it would be like their souls were separated, making sleep impossible at night. But Ling Xiao would rather maintain his pride in front of Ying Feng. However, he never expected even this humiliating moment to be witnessed by him.
Thinking the day was long, he found the night seemed much longer. As dawn broke, the feeling of disconnection finally faded, but his energy was drained.
Having his sleep disrupted, Ying Feng woke up later than usual. Upon waking, he noticed a distinct change in his body. Even though this change occurred during the pre-awakening period, it wasn’t as intense as now.
Before Ying Feng fully awoke, Ling Xiao pretended to be asleep. After a quick glance at him, Ying Feng headed to the bathroom to take care of his “trouble”. When he returned, he found Ling Xiao up and about, heading into the bathroom himself.
Ying Feng had no idea that Ling Xiao couldn’t sleep at all. He thought that after experiencing what happened last night, Ling Xiao might sleep a little longer. Hence, in a not-so-friendly tone, he asked, “What are you doing?”
Ling Xiao answered even more coldly, “Going to school.”
Ying Feng reminded him, “You’re on leave.” A full fifteen-day honeymoon leave. He had unintentionally heard other students discussing this leave before, and their tones were rather intriguing.
Ling Xiao was well aware. He was one of those who discussed this leave with an intriguing tone, often saying that it wasn’t a vacation but a honeymoon leave. This probably meant they were kept so busy by their Qizhu that they couldn’t go out. Precisely for this reason, he was more determined to attend class.
“I don’t need it,” he declared, and then forcefully closed the bathroom door.
The prison guard watched as the person who had just been brought in was taken out again. Kindheartedly, he shouted to their retreating figures, “Happy newlyweds!”
However, the expected “thank you” didn’t come, and neither of the two looked back. He couldn’t understand. Wasn’t forming a bond supposed to be a happy occasion?
On the aircraft returning to the academy, the principal looked worriedly at Ying Feng and Ling Xiao, sitting on opposite sides by the window, their gazes fixed on the distant horizon. Like mirror images of each other, their expressions, postures, and gestures were identical.
Since leaving the detention center, they hadn’t spoken, touched, or made eye contact. Although the other was right beside them, it felt as if there was only an invisible person sitting there. Forget the close bond between a Qizhu and a Qizi; even the camaraderie between classmates seemed nonexistent.
Outside the window, the evening lights were just beginning to shine, and the stars were few. The aircraft silently traversed the night sky. Everything was quiet; even the engine’s mechanical sounds were minimized.
For Ling Xiao, this had been the longest day of his life. So much had happened that every second could write a lengthy story. On the surface, he appeared calm—too calm for someone who had just undergone a coming-of-age ceremony—and this made the principal even more worried.
The more composed one appears, the more likely they are restraining their true feelings, which might collapse when pushed to a limit. This strong and stubborn young man, who had tearfully recited his vows during the farewell ceremony, who could have imagined that in less than half a month, those solemn promises would be ruthlessly shattered?
The aircraft quietly landed at the academy’s airfield. Though they had only been away for three days, it felt like three years. What changed wasn’t just the color of their eyes, but the weight of their emotions.
As the three of them disembarked, the principal stopped the two about to leave. “I know you’ve already been thoroughly checked at the military medical station, but it’s still necessary to report to the school doctor. It’s a tradition.”
The two complied, with Ying Feng leading and Ling Xiao following. The principal watched their retreating figures, lost in thought. A tragedy had already occurred at the academy this year; could another one be looming?
Yao Tai was about to leave when she almost collided with Ying Feng at the door. Seeing his face, the experienced doctor took a sharp breath.
“Oh, my God,” she whispered. Although she had heard rumors, seeing it first hand was still shocking. Instinctively, she looked past him, and Ling Xiao’s presence once again confirmed the truth, making her emotions incredibly mixed for a moment.
Ying Feng ignored her shock and stepped forward. The person behind him wanted to follow, but he was stopped with a command.
“Stay here,” Ying Feng’s tone was almost an order.
Ling Xiao hesitated for a moment and eventually remained outside the door.
Ying Feng once again lay shirtless on the examination table. Yao Tai conducted a full examination, and compared to the military medical report, his body showed significant recovery. There was no trace of injury, which, even among the Tianxiu known for their healing, was rare.
Holding the report, Yao Tai seemed troubled.
“Is there a problem?” Ying Feng asked, sitting up.
Wanting clarity amidst the rumors, Yao Tai listened as Ying Feng recounted the events.
“…When the alarm sounded, I rushed back to join the main force but got lost because I wasn’t familiar with the area. Ling Xiao was with me the entire time.”
“We accidentally discovered that lab. The door had a sign reading ‘Research Restricted Area, No Unauthorized Entry’, but we were curious and went in.”
“We didn’t stay long before you and the doctor arrived. Afraid, we hid and overheard your conversation, learning about the contents of the bottle.”
“Ling Xiao’s taking it was out of curiosity. My failure to stop him was my fault. This matter has implicated both you and the doctor. The military might soon question you and even blame you for negligence. I apologize for this and am ready to face any punishment.”
As Yao Tai listened, her anger grew. The audacious actions of these two fledglings were beyond description. They actually dared to steal from the base, and what they stole was incredibly important. What infuriated her more was that, as the chief administrator of the base, Zhi Shang hadn’t even noticed afterward.
“You two really are…” she trailed off, not finding the right words to describe her feelings, leaving the sentence hanging.
Ying Feng’s tone remained cold, as if describing someone else’s business. “During our field practice, we had an accident and encountered a Kui in the mine. In a moment of desperation, Ling Xiao injected the Embers, saving both our lives.”
“But because of the cave-in, we were trapped inside. Ling Xiao, due to side effects, went berserk. What followed was just as you saw.”
Yao Tai’s emotions shifted from anger to ambivalence upon hearing this. On one hand, she was outraged at their audacious theft. On the other, she felt a lingering fear for their predicament. Had they not had the Embers, perhaps the only news would have been the eternal demise of two fledgling souls during their field practice.
With this in mind, she wasn’t sure if what they did was right or wrong.
“Later, the military arrived in time to rescue us. That’s basically how it all happened,” Ying Feng finished explaining.
Yao Tai was so stunned that she couldn’t speak for a while. After a moment, she opened her mouth.
“The reason why the Tianxiu people become stronger during the coming-of-age ceremony is because of a special substance secreted within their bodies. Not only does this substance enhance a person’s fighting abilities, but it also stimulates physiological desires and overpowers one’s rationality, which is why lovers during the coming-of-age ceremony fight each other to the death.”
“The developer of Embers, my teacher, extracted this substance from the body. With it, he created Embers, allowing one to temporarily gain strength equivalent to that during the coming-of-age ceremony while eliminating its negative impacts. It was considered the greatest achievement of that era.”
“But my teacher didn’t stop there. Soon after, he refined the substance to twenty times its potency and created Embers II. However, he never had the chance to perfect it.”
“This means that while Embers II can temporarily elevate one’s fighting capabilities to unreachable heights, it fully retains its drawbacks. The negative effects of this substance are magnified for its users.”
“In other words, after injection, desire overwhelms reason. Fledglings who haven’t awakened will directly enter awakening, even losing control, triggering what we call the automatic coming-of-age ceremony.”
“But if someone were to inject the second generation without an antidote, even adults wouldn’t be able to resist its side effects.” Yao Tai pondered. “According to what you said, even if the military arrived on time, they wouldn’t have this special antidote. Why is Ling Xiao alright then?”
Ying Feng shook his head, indicating he didn’t know. It seemed Yao Tai would have to find the reason from Ling Xiao himself.
She gestured to the papers in her hand. “Your medical report is fine, but there’s a lot I need to explain to you. Before that, I need to examine Ling Xiao.”
She opened the door to the infirmary. Ling Xiao was sitting alone on a bench outside.
“Ling Xiao,” she began, thinking of his ordeal, her tone softened. “Come in, it’s your turn.”
As Ling Xiao entered, Ying Feng was halfway through dressing. Ling Xiao’s gaze briefly fell on Ying Feng’s chest, and he quickly turned away.
Ying Feng buttoned up his shirt calmly, walking past Ling Xiao, but Yao Tai reminded him again to stay. “Don’t go. I have more to say.”
Ling Xiao and Ying Feng switched places. The instruments that were just on Ying Feng were connected to Ling Xiao, but they had lost their previous warmth.
“How do you feel?” Yao Tai asked, her tone uncharacteristically gentle toward Ling Xiao.
“I don’t feel much,” Ling Xiao replied honestly. If he had to describe it in words, it’d be numbness. He wasn’t devastated, nor was he furious. This overly calm demeanor, after failing the coming-of-age ceremony, was an ominous sign. Having seen various fledglings after their ceremonies, Yao Tai found it hard to look at him. She turned away. “Get up.”
Ling Xiao quietly dressed. During this time, his examination results were printed. Yao Tai silently studied the displayed data, her face serious.
“Dr. Yao, tell me. I can handle it.”
Yao Tai weighed her words. “Your psychological state isn’t very optimistic.”
“Do I need to be handcuffed like Lan Sheng?”
Yao Tai’s eyes flickered. “Not necessary. It hasn’t reached that level.”
She placed both hands on his shoulders, trying to convey strength to him in this manner. “Ling Xiao, I know you’re feeling down and sad right now, but this is due to hormonal imbalances. You mustn’t think that these are your true feelings deep down.”
“Do you remember Lan Sheng? He didn’t truly want to jump either. At that moment, he was not in control of his senses; he was trapped within his own world, not listening to anyone. But that was not his true intention.”
Without saying a word, Ling Xiao gently removed Yao Tai’s hand. “I can distinguish.”
Those simple words could carry a lot of meaning. Because he could distinguish, he clearly understood that his feelings at this moment stemmed from psychology, not physiology. Such a thought was even more troubling.
“I know you’re proud, and you don’t easily bow down to others. But you’re with Ying Feng now, and only he can help you through this. I believe you understand his character better than I do. If you don’t reach out, your relationship will remain at an impasse.”
“I’m not asking you to show weakness. I just hope you can soften, even if it’s just a little bit. I believe Ying Feng will never reject you.”
This time, Ling Xiao didn’t even speak, simply shaking his head lightly to indicate that it was impossible. Yao Tai, feeling helpless, covered her face with her hand.
“Listen, Ying Feng is still here. He’s right outside the door. He hasn’t left. If he didn’t want to face you, he could’ve just walked away.”
“But he stayed, which means he’s willing to take responsibility. For that reason alone, you shouldn’t give up on yourself. Although he does have a side that never changes, always acting cold to everyone—it’s a personality flaw. Approaching him proactively not only helps him but helps you too.”
“The bond between you two was completely accidental. It’s hard for anyone to accept such an outcome at first, so it’s natural to act distant. But regardless of Ying Feng’s current attitude, as long as he’s willing to stay, there’s a chance for both of you to truly bridge the gap and come together.”
Ling Xiao shook his head. “There won’t be such a chance. Ying Feng has someone he likes from his past life. I ruined his opportunity. He must hate me to the bone now.”
“The person he likes?” Yao Tai was puzzled. “Not long ago, he mentioned that he hasn’t found a suitable partner.”
“He hasn’t, but the person he likes is his lover from his previous life. I know he has been searching.”
Yao Tai struggled to suppress her rising anger.
“A lover from his previous life?” she said with agitation. “Do you know how many have dreamt of being with their past life’s lover? Such a beautiful fantasy—almost everyone has had it. Being with the same person life after life—how romantic? Even I’ve had such unrealistic dreams.”
“But what about now? Even if I found out that Zhi Shang was my enemy in my past life, I’d still want to be with him in this life. This life is different from the past. There’s no connection.”
“I can’t imagine someone like Ying Feng harboring such thoughts, but trust me, no one dreams about this forever. Everyone eventually finds the love of their current life. Lovers from past lives are just naive wishes, and sooner or later they’re replaced by true love.”
Ling Xiao knew Ying Feng’s attachment to his past was not as fragile as Yao Tai described. Even buying unverified information at a high price, cherishing the peach pit kept in his pocket, and his determination to forsake the coming-of-age ceremony and fight the Kui to the death—between life and freedom, he had made his choice. But he couldn’t tell Yao Tai all of this.
Yet Yao Tai persisted. “You must have faith in the future. Even revealing such an embarrassing matter as having a lover from a past life to you shows you hold some place in his heart. There’s endless possibilities between you, especially since you like him…”
A hand reached out, covering her mouth and stopping her words.
“No, there’s no such thing.” Ling Xiao pulled his hand back. “I haven’t fallen for him.”
“You have. The report says so. When Ying Feng was mentioned, your psychological graph showed a clear fluctuation.”
“I admit I care about him a lot,” Ling Xiao interrupted her, “but it’s not because I like him. It could be admiration, disgust, jealousy, or something else, but it’s definitely not due to affection.”
Yao Tai sighed. “The waveforms shown by like and hate are different, and they are distinct from any other emotion. You can deceive yourself, but you can’t deceive the instrument.”
“Your instrument is broken,” he said calmly.
“My instrument has never been broken,” Yao Tai said helplessly. “Perhaps even you haven’t realized it. The way you care about him and how you exaggerate things to get his attention—all these behaviors have only one explanation. You like him, Ling Xiao. This is undeniable.”
There was a long silence in the medical room.
“Will Ying Feng see my physical examination report?” he asked, lowering his head.
“Yes, he is your Qizhu. He has the right to know.”
“Can you please not tell him about this?”
Yao Tai was caught in a dilemma. “It’s his right. No one can…”
“Please.”
It seemed like Yao Tai heard such a voice, and she paused, ensuring it wasn’t her imagination.
“What?”
“Please.” Ling Xiao raised his head with a faint hint of a teary shimmer in his eyes. Yao Tai was stunned. Anyone who saw such a proud young man utter these words with tears would undoubtedly be moved.
“I’ve already been humiliated enough. Please let me retain the last bit of my dignity.”
The bathroom door was unexpectedly pushed open. Startled, Ling Xiao’s hand quickly sprang away from the mirror. Turning to see the unexpected intruder, the two met eyes for the first time since waking up. This moment seemed to last for countless ages.
Not only did the opening of the door let in the flowing air, but it also brought with it Ling Xiao’s lost memories, which surged into his mind with the appearance of the man before him. Those forgotten scenes—intense, explicit, and desperate—jostled and rushed from his dormant memories, overwhelming him.
An eerie silence claimed the room. The atmosphere seemed to solidify into a ‘Do Not Enter’ sign at the door, and even dust seemed unable to penetrate.
The two silently exchanged glances for a long while. Only after Ying Feng gave him a quick up and down did Ling Xiao realize he was in disarray, even lacking a top.
“Why did you come in without knocking?” he blurted.
Ying Feng’s response was to step forward and close the door. The room was small to begin with, and with the door shut, it felt even more cramped. The distance between them was now close enough to touch.
Suppressing the urge to step back, Ling Xiao wanted to grab a piece of clothing or even a towel to wrap around himself, but he didn’t want to appear embarrassed in front of the other.
“We’re short on time, so I’ll only say this once,” Ying Feng began, indifferent to Ling Xiao’s state. “If the military finds out we deliberately entered that lab, your actions will be seen as intentional theft. Such a statement would be detrimental to you.”
“So, no matter how they question you, insist you accidentally wandered in or wait for my arrival before answering. As long as I’m not present, you have the right to remain silent at any time.”
“We’ll figure out the rest. Just remember what I’ve said.”
Having relayed this calmly and without a hint of unnecessary concern—like a lawyer instructing his client—he finally paused.
“Get ready soon,” he said, turning to leave.
“Do you blame me?” Ling Xiao’s voice suddenly came from behind.
Ying Feng’s grip on the doorknob tightened. “What’s the use of saying that now?”
He turned his head slightly, his voice still cold. “Regardless, if you hadn’t acted as you did, both our souls would have been utterly obliterated. So, in that respect, I should thank you.”
As Ying Feng left, the real world seemed to be shut out with him. Ling Xiao felt that as long as he didn’t leave this place, the things he didn’t want to face would never come.
Unfortunately, the inevitable couldn’t be avoided. After getting himself together, a short man in military uniform was waiting outside his door, accompanied by two officers.
“Are you ready to come with us?” It was phrased as a question, but there was no room for refusal.
Ling Xiao had expected this. He glanced around and saw Ying Feng and the principal on the other side of the corridor, both looking ambiguously in his direction.
Noticing his gaze, the principal nodded reassuringly, signaling him to go with them without worry. That’s when Ling Xiao realized what “we” Ying Feng was referring to.
Without any acknowledgement from Ying Feng, Ling Xiao quietly averted his gaze, whispering to the man in front, “Let’s go.”
They walked in the opposite direction of Ying Feng. Those behind silently watched the departing figures. As Fu Yao walked, he turned his head and, with a smile, mouthed to Ying Feng, “I’ll wait for you.”
Only when their figures disappeared around the corner did the principal turn to Ying Feng and say, “Let’s go as well.”
The military and school aircraft departed from the medical station one after the other, heading towards the same destination.
Upon arriving at the detention center, Fu Yao personally escorted Ling Xiao to his cell.
“You seem quite stable, more so than most Qizi. Probably because of the lingering aura of that young man. However, it’s uncertain how long you can maintain this state. I hope your time here won’t be too unbearable.”
Signaling the guard, the cell door slowly closed in front of Ling Xiao. The two men left, leaving him surrounded by an eerie silence and the chill of a cold window.
Dazed, Ling Xiao sat on the bed’s edge. Before long, his right hand began to shake uncontrollably. He immediately gripped his wrist with his left hand, but soon the left started shaking violently too. Gradually, the tremors spread throughout his body, forcing him to curl up in an attempt to fend off the sudden agony.
When Ling Xiao was enduring mental torture alone, Ying Feng and the principal were negotiating outside.
“We would like to apply for bail pending trial.”
“Name?”
“Ling Xiao.”
The prison staff checked. “The one just brought in? But he has only been in for less than ten minutes.”
“He just had his coming-of-age ceremony today, as a Qizi. For him, ten minutes already feels like a long time.”
“Coming-of-age ceremony? Today? With whom?”
“With me.” Ying Feng, who had been standing behind, took a step forward.
The warden looked up into his eyes. “Congratulations.”
“We had our coming-of-age ceremony less than 24 hours ago. According to regulations, for 72 hours after the ceremony, the Qizi must be with their Qizhu or under medical supervision. Afterward, a Qizi not rated high-risk must not be forcibly separated from their Qizhu for ten days. Here’s his medical report.”
Since Fu Yao had given that information, Ying Feng and the principal had been quickly researching relevant legal provisions. By now, Ying Feng had committed all relevant clauses to memory.
The warden reviewed the medical report and found no issues.
“What you’re talking about is medical regulations, but he has violated the law now.”
“Medical regulations take precedence over legal ones. Even death row inmates have the right to medical care during their imprisonment. If the health of any criminal or suspect is not guaranteed during detention, it’s the detention center’s negligence.”
The warden sighed. Truth be told, situations like this were rare. Nobody would be thrown into jail right after their coming-of-age ceremony, especially when that person was personally brought in by Fu Yao with only vague charges of theft.
“While I get your point, the suspect was brought in by Major General Fu Yao. You’d need his permission for bail.”
“We’ll get his permission,” the principal interjected. “Please expedite the procedure for him. You know the danger of leaving a Qizi in there during their adjustment period. Every minute can be risky.”
“That’s not my call,” the warden replied, then dialed a superior, reporting briefly.
“Alright, I understand.” He hung up. “They want to interrogate him first.”
“I demand to be present,” Ying Feng promptly added.
The warden didn’t refuse this time. “Fill out the form.”
After Ying Feng completed the paperwork, the warden signaled him to proceed but stopped the principal, who wanted to follow.
“You can’t go in.”
“I’m his principal, the school’s guardian.”
“From the moment he became an adult, there are no school guardians. There’s only the Qizhu. Please wait outside.”
The principal, without permission to attend, anxiously touched Ying Feng’s arm. “Don’t say anything unnecessary.”
“Okay.”
Ying Feng entered the interrogation room, seeing both the interrogator and Ling Xiao. Having been in that environment for only fifteen minutes, Ling Xiao looked significantly drained. Pale-faced, his lips tightly pressed, and hands clenched under the table to prevent them from shaking too visibly. Yet, his remarkable willpower was evident. Even in this situation, he exuded an intense defiance. His mental torment hadn’t reached his eyes, which remained sharp.
Ying Feng walked over and sat next to him. Only after he was seated did the interrogator speak.
“Your Qizhu insisted on being present during the interrogation. Can we begin now?”
At the words “Qizhu”, Ling Xiao’s eyes twitched. After a moment, he nodded.
The interrogator got straight to the point. “How did you obtain Embers II, which even the military prohibits?”
“At the base, during an external study visit,” Ying Feng answered.
The interrogator looked surprised, then turned to Ling Xiao, who nodded in agreement.
“Can you elaborate?”
“Earlier this month, our school organized a visit to the base. There was an accident. We got lost during the regroup and stumbled into a lab. That’s where we found Embers II.”
“Is that true?” the interrogator asked Ling Xiao.
Ling Xiao, eyes downcast, confirmed, “It’s true.”
“Was there a clear sign prohibiting entry at the lab’s door?”
“Yes, it said ‘No Unauthorized Entry’.”
“Why did you enter anyway?”
“Out of curiosity.”
“Did you know the name and purpose of the stolen item before taking it?”
“Yes.”
“How did you know?”
“Two people came to the site during that time. We learned from their conversation.”
“People came but didn’t see you. So, you hid?”
“Yes.”
“Who were they?”
“Dr. Yao Tai, the health doctor from Bikong Academy, and Dr. Zhi Shang, the chief researcher at the base.”
The interrogator carefully noted down, “What did they go to do?”
“They also went to get the Embers II, related to the accident at that time.”
“Elaborate further.”
“We don’t know more details. Just after the injection, they could quickly head to the lighthouse and activate the protective shield. So, we concluded that it’s a very powerful thing.” Ying Feng deliberately omitted what he heard from Zhen He.
“Continue,” the interrogator said.
“Before leaving, I took one with me and secretly took it out of the base.” Ling Xiao took over the conversation.
“Why did you take it?”
“Just out of curiosity. I had no other intentions.”
“Did your companion, who is now your Qizhu and was present at the time, know about this?”
Ying Feng: “I did.”
Ling Xiao: “He didn’t.”
Ling Xiao looked at him in surprise; even the interrogator had a puzzled expression.
“You need to be sure about the answer to this question. It determines whether you are guilty in this case. If you accidentally entered the lab, the penalty is minor. But if you knew and didn’t report it, you’d be considered an accomplice. Are you aware of this?”
“I knew he took something that wasn’t his. I clearly knew what he took, but I neither stopped him nor exposed him. I am responsible for the consequences.”
He was very certain, and the interrogator emphasized again, “Your current statement could lead to your detainment. Are you sure everything you said is true?”
“I am.”
Ling Xiao looked puzzled and shocked. He didn’t understand why Ying Feng would say that. However, Fu Yao, who had been listening from the next room, chuckled.
“This guy is interesting. Regardless of whether he’s guilty or not, he’s insistent on taking the blame. It’s as if he wants us to detain him.”
Fu Yao’s Qizi whispered, “He’s probably worried that if his Qizi can’t be released, at least the two of them can be detained together. After all, for a newly initiated Qizi, staying overnight in custody is almost equivalent to a death sentence.”
“How redundant. During their chaotic phase, a Qizi isn’t allowed to be detained at the center. Even if found guilty, they can only be sent to medical supervision. Didn’t he consider the situation where his Qizi gets released and he gets detained?”
His own Qizhu was quite mischievous. The Qizi sighed. “If they’re not allowed to be detained, why bring them here?”
“I just wanted to scare him a bit, to see if it’s his sense of responsibility or self-will that predominates. Many years ago, when someone left, I stole a vehicle to intercept him. I did stop him. But he told me if he wanted to leave, he could leave any day. I could stop him for a day, but not the second day, the third day… So, I let him go. Over the years, I’ve been wondering if letting him go was a mistake. Maybe if I forced him to stay, the outcome would be different.”
His Qizi pondered for a moment. “I think you couldn’t have kept him. The tragedy of their coming-of-age ceremony was man-made. His heart was filled with resentment towards the culprit. It’s understandable he didn’t want to take responsibility. Though the outcome for these two was similar, it was purely accidental. Moreover, compared to Embers II, the life of a fledgling is much more precious.”
“To be honest, I’m quite glad they stole Embers II. Even though they broke the law, it unexpectedly saved their lives. It seems like there’s a divine plan. Their union is probably the same.”
Fu Yao nodded in agreement. “Some people shape their own destiny, while others are simply innocent. For people like these, we should help.”
He gestured. “Proceed with their release on bail.”
Back in the interrogation room, the interrogator was about to conclude.
“I have one last question for you,” he addressed Ling Xiao. “The testimony you provided—is it the truth, or did your Qizhu use his authority to make you say it?”
Ling Xiao remained silent for a while. Just when Ying Feng feared that the question might make him retract his statement, Ling Xiao softly said, “It’s the truth.”
The interrogator nodded and organized the documents he had recorded.
“Your situation is quite unique, so I’ll have to consult my superiors. In the meantime, please return to your respective waiting areas.”
Hearing they’d have to go back to their previous locations, Ling Xiao tensed up. Even though he quickly composed himself, Yin Feng caught his reaction from the corner of his eye.
“Someone in his state shouldn’t be kept here for long. I hope you can expedite the process.”
“I understand,” the interrogator replied. “I’m also a Qizi. I know how it feels.” He then reassured Ling Xiao. “Endure these first three days, and it’ll get better. I’ll apply for you as soon as I can, but the final decision depends on my superiors.”
The two were separated again. Yin Feng remained silent, and Ling Xiao didn’t look at him even once. It was as if they were strangers.
Once Ling Xiao was escorted away, the interrogator curiously asked Yin Feng, “I’m confused about your relationship. During the interrogation, I thought you were close, but now you seem distant. At moments like this, a hug would be comforting for him, but you two didn’t even make eye contact.”
Yin Feng turned to him. “More than a hug, he needs to get out of here as soon as possible.”
The interrogator shrugged apologetically. “I’ll get on it right away.”
With Fu Yao’s quiet recommendation, the bail papers were quickly approved, but the principal still felt it took too long.
“You can take him now.” The prison guard handed over the papers. “Given your unique circumstances, the trial will resume after the Qizi has safely passed the danger period, which is ten days from now. This applies to you too.”
The principal warned, “Every second in here has a cumulative negative effect. A prolonged stay can severely impact a Qizi’s mental health, leading to lasting trauma. Make sure to comfort and care for him.”
Yin Feng took the papers and left, the principal uncertain if he had heeded his words.
The guard was idly sitting in his seat when he saw a figure approaching. The person had the physique of a fledgling, but their eyes were the deep black of an adult. It was rare to see someone who had completed the coming-of-age ceremony yet still retained such a youthful appearance in this place. Today, he had seen two such individuals, and one of them was still detained inside.
“What can I do for you?” the guard inquired.
Yin Feng presented the bail approval documents. “I’m here to get my Qizi out.”
The author has something to say:
Tip: After the coming-of-age ceremony, a Qizi goes through three days of disorder, followed by seven days of the danger period. During this time, unless their psychological assessment is rated as high risk (like Lan Sheng), they shouldn’t be forcibly separated from their Qizhu.
For a moment, Ying Feng was in a daze, not knowing if the principal was speaking to the Qizhu who abandoned him or to Ying Feng himself. When he came back to his senses, the man in front of him had disappeared.
“Sounds far-fetched, doesn’t it?” A voice with a completely different tone intruded into Ying Feng’s ears. “Who would’ve thought someone as arrogant as him would one day spill out such sentimental words.”
Seeing Ying Feng’s incredulous expression, Fu Yao candidly revealed the truth. “Don’t be fooled by your principal’s downtrodden appearance now. Back in the day when he reigned supreme over the entire Bikong Academy. He was so arrogant that one would want to strangle him.”
Ying Feng roughly guessed the relationship between these two. “Do you hold a grudge against the principal?”
“A grudge? Ha!” Fu Yao sneered. “It’s more like mutual disdain. Even though I had major reservations about his character, I still recognized his strength and once considered him a worthy opponent. Unfortunately, after he was defeated by someone, he was defeated by the entire world. Despite previously boasting about whose achievements in the military would be greater, he ended up taking a position as a principal in a small academy. Seeing him now, constantly in a melancholic state, I would rather he maintained his former arrogance.”
Adversaries of equal strength, entirely different fates—the success or failure of a single coming-of-age ceremony could change so much.
Fu Yao waved it off, not wanting to discuss the principal any further. “Although your medical report shows no issues, I’m afraid your Qizi isn’t as optimistic. As his Qizhu and a direct witness, I have the right to detain you.”
Ying Feng knew there was more to come and waited patiently.
“But I don’t intend to. Even if I forced you to stay now, it would only be temporary. Once the restriction is lifted in the future, you can still leave. Your principal was right, if you really want to go, no one can stop you.”
He shifted slightly. “So, I have something to say. I wonder if you’d be interested in hearing it out?”
Ying Feng intuitively felt that what was coming next wasn’t what he wanted to hear, but he had to listen anyway.
“Speak.”
“After you leave, the idea that your Qizi will be sent to the Disease Control Center is a naïve notion… You should know, by procedure, he has to be arrested and await trial under incarceration.”
“For someone like him, who has just completed the coming-of-age ceremony and is forced to be separated from his Qizhu and sent to a detention center without any medical protection,” Fuyao slowed down his words, “I guarantee, he won’t survive 72 hours inside. His spirit will collapse, and his willpower will wither. He won’t even have to wait for the trial; he can directly report to the base.”
Ying Feng’s expression darkened. “Are you threatening me with him?”
“I haven’t finished my threat yet,” Fuyao responded with a smirk.
He took a step forward and walked out of the medical station’s gate. In front of him was a vast expanse of land.
“Our race is inherently aggressive. Our unique physical attributes allow us to easily defeat any opponent. If we wanted, the entire galaxy would bow to us. But to this day, the armies of our people have only set foot on a few neighboring planets. Do you know why?”
Ying Feng was clueless.
Fuyao tapped his chest. “Because of the soul’s traction.”
“I have led armies to many places and found that once we leave this planet, a sense of unease arises among my kind. The further we are from our homeland, and the longer the duration, this feeling intensifies. Once a certain limit is crossed, even the morale to fight disappears.”
“We later realized our movement is restricted by a circle with the Soul Lighthouse at its center. Venturing far from this center, our souls worry about returning and resist the journey. Only standing on our own soil do we feel grounded. This restriction has curtailed our race’s expansion. The reason behind this remains unclear and is often attributed to an implicit balance.”
He extended his hand, grasping at the distance. “It’s a pity that we are confined to this limited space in such a vast universe. Our view of the world is limited, and many never venture beyond it in their lifetimes.”
“Now, do you understand what I’m trying to say?” He turned around. “The soul’s traction always exists. Even if you go to the closest place from here, like the Wolfsbane, it will increasingly beckon you to return.”
“Don’t think that being a Qizhu means you won’t have mental pressure, and don’t assume the person who bit your principal is freely wandering the world. Freedom only exists here, under your feet. Once you leave, invisible chains will bind you. I hope by then, you won’t regret your impulsive decision.”
Suddenly, Fu Yao shifted his tone. “If you really want to see the world outside, come to the military. I’ve seen your profile; you are a promising newcomer, just what we’re looking for.”
“In the past, only the Qizhu had to take the entrance exam for the Royal Sky Military Academy. If the Qizhu passed, the Qizi was also admitted but could only choose auxiliary majors like communications or medical.”
“I was admitted to Royal Sky without taking the exam. My only condition was that my Qizi be treated equally. Thus, he became the first Qizi to be admitted to the Combat Command major since the founding of the academy.”
“During our time at the academy, we developed a unique fighting style exclusive to a Qizhu and their Qizi. As long as the two cooperate, the energy they unleash is far greater than two Qizhu of similar strength.”
“Our training model was recognized by the academy. Five years after my graduation, Royal Sky officially established the Joint Combat major, recruiting talented Qizhus and Qizis. Both have to pass the entrance exam.”
“I’m satisfied with the abilities of both you and your Qizi. If you’re willing to apply, I can write a recommendation letter for you. You might not realize the weight my recommendation holds in your application.”
Fu Yao paused, then routinely asked Ying Feng’s opinion, “What do you think?”
“First intimidation, then enticement? Your methods differ from the principal’s, but your goals are strikingly similar. Our unfamiliarity, all the things you’ve done and said behind my back, are they all out of regard for the principal? Maybe the relationship between you two isn’t as adversarial as it seems.”
“It can’t be helped. Even though I find him annoying, Bikong is my alma mater, and he’s my fellow alumnus. Doing him a favor feels good, especially imagining his unease. Moreover, not everyone gets so much talk from me. It’s a kind of camaraderie; a strong recognition of another’s potential. I’m willing to lend a hand seeing a promising junior heading the wrong way.”
Ying Feng didn’t explicitly agree or decline. “I appreciate your kindness. If I do choose Royal Sky, I’ll get in based on my own abilities.”
“Having ambition is good. But I must remind you kindly that, at your current level, joining the military is a delusion. The premise of joining is full development. If you follow in your principal’s footsteps, you’ll undoubtedly be rejected. That eternal virgin, hahaha.”
“Really?” Ying Feng said expressionlessly. “Considering your height, I thought you hadn’t developed either.”
No sooner had Ying Feng finished speaking than a heavy punch landed on his abdomen. He was sent flying, crashing into the courtyard wall after flying several meters.
Ying Feng, falling from mid-air, felt as if the air was sucked out of his lungs. After a few painful coughs, he managed to breathe again. Having just exited the healing chamber, he felt he’d have to return soon.
Fu Yao approached without a hint of remorse, his wrist cracking. “Given your current endurance, you can probably take two of my punches. So, you’re welcome to repeat what you just said.”
Clutching his painful spot, Ying Feng struggled to speak, realizing that this man was mad.
“You probably don’t yet know the true strength of our people. What you learned at the basic academy barely scratches the surface of combat.”
He suddenly produced a crystal in his palm, tossed it, caught it, and gripped it firmly, releasing a blinding white light. After fluidly completing these actions, Fu Yao punched a stone pillar nearby. The massive column was instantly shattered, and Ying Feng raised his hands just in time to shield his face from the debris.
Fu Yao blew off the residual ashes on the back of his hand. After such violent actions, surprisingly, there was not even a slight injury left. Ying Feng was greatly shocked. Even if he tried hard to maintain his composure, a part of his emotions uncontrollably seeped out.
“Did you see that? There are many interesting things in the future waiting for you to discover. If you don’t want to miss them, walk step by step on the right path!”
Ying Feng leaned against the wall and stood up. Fu Yao casually threw something at him. His casual attitude made it seem like something worthless.
Ying Feng took it and saw that what Fu Yao threw looked like a stone the size of a goose egg, crystal clear, perfectly round, and flawless, with a dark gold flow inside. It was by no means something ordinary.
“What is this?” Ying Feng was puzzled. “Why are you giving it to me?”
“It’s originally yours. A soul stone that fell off from the Kui. You left it in the mine. The highest level—a triple S-grade soul stone. It’s probably worth a city, right? Among all those who just completed the coming-of-age ceremony, you are probably the richest.”
Ying Feng’s face turned a bit pale, half because of Fu Yao’s attack. “This isn’t mine.”
Fu Yao chuckled. “The person is yours, so the item is naturally yours. Qizis don’t have personal property. Legally speaking, it’s yours. Of course, whether you keep it or give it to him is your choice.”
A notification sounded from the terminal on his wrist. Looking at the message, Fu Yao’s lips curled into a meaningful smile.
“Your Qizi is finally awake. Aren’t you going to visit him?”
……
“Have you woken up?” The chief physician saw Ling Xiao open his eyes and quickly approached. “How do you feel?”
Ling Xiao sat up in a daze; his expression was either blank or vacant.
The chief physician checked his pupils to make sure he was conscious and repeated, “Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”
Only then did Ling Xiao respond. He looked up with almost transparent gray eyes and asked, “Where am I?”
The physician reassured him, “This is an emergency medical station set up by the military. You’ve been here for a while.”
“What happened to me?”
“You encountered danger during your field practice, but the military rescued you in time,” the physician explained vaguely.
Ling Xiao gave a soft acknowledgment and then began to space out again.
A medical staff member’s words triggered some of his missing memories. He recalled that they were on a field training exercise. He made a bet with Ying Feng on who would score higher, and then a Kui appeared…
He remembered challenging the Kui fearlessly and got knocked aside. In his dizziness, Ying Feng pulled him away. He just remembered Ying Feng holding his hand and later holding him in his embrace.
When Ying Feng pushed him away and charged at the Kui, Ling Xiao regained consciousness. He then found the “Ember II” in his embrace—he had stolen it from the lab out of youthful curiosity, never thinking it would come in handy one day.
His memories were fragmented after that. Seeing his dazed expression, the physician suspected that perhaps the paralytic component in the saliva might have affected him, making him appear somewhat dull.
However, the next moment, Ling Xiao swiftly grabbed the physician’s clothes, surprising him. “Was I the only one rescued?”
“No, both of you. Your companion was with you.”
“Is he alright?”
The physician hesitated slightly. “His injuries are much lighter than yours. He should be fine now.”
Ling Xiao sighed in relief, whispering that’s good.
But why did he feel like he had forgotten something very important? He tried hard to remember, but the path to those memories felt tangled, leading him back to where he started.
“If you’re feeling better, maybe take a shower,” the physician kindly suggested.
Only then did Ling Xiao realize his terrible state. His entire right arm was stained with unknown blood. His uniform shirt was missing, and he had several dark red spots on his chest.
“Is my treatment finished?” he asked innocently.
The physician wasn’t sure how to tell him; while physical injuries could be healed, hickey marks weren’t physical injuries. Many who just became a Qizi would subconsciously forget certain things because they couldn’t accept the reality, and it seemed he was no different.
“Your injuries are severe and won’t heal quickly. They’ll heal over time.”
“Oh.” Ling Xiao nodded blankly. “Let’s go then.”
Ling Xiao’s feet touched the ground again, and every step he took seemed as if he were walking on clouds, making everything feel unreal. The surrounding environment, nearby objects, and the person leading the way all seemed to materialize from illusion. This moment felt like a dream, with white fog obscuring his vision. All sounds were banished miles away, with the narrow corridor never seeming to end.
The physician opened a door connecting dream to reality for him. “The bathroom is here, and the clothes have been placed inside. Call me if you need anything.”
Ling Xiao nodded, stepping through the door absentmindedly. The bathroom was immaculately clean. There was a bright mirror hanging on the wall, mercilessly reflecting all it saw. Just a brief glimpse, and Ling Xiao found himself unable to look away.
He walked closer, staring at the stranger in the mirror. The stranger stared back with pale gray eyes. They looked at each other for a moment that felt like an eternity.
After a long while, Ling Xiao reached out, his fingers trembling slightly in the air, advancing and retracting several times.
The reflection mimicked his actions, timidly approaching him until the cold sensation of the mirror met his touch, leaving no room for delusions.
Finally, he touched the reflection’s eyes, his fingertips lightly brushing the corners of its eyes, drawing a faint arc along the contour.
How could this be him? How could this possibly be him?
The author has something to say:
Tip: The people of Tianxiu need to continuously mate in order to develop. However, there is a peak in development. Once this peak is reached, both parties will not grow any further, but physical desires will always persist.
As soon as Ying Feng emerged from the medical chamber, he found an extra person sitting next to him. The man wore a military uniform, and the epaulets on it indicated his high rank. His sharp eyes, which seemed both smiling yet not, stared at Ying Feng, making him uncomfortable.
Most importantly, though the man was short in stature, he emanated an oppressive aura. Even without the advantage of height, he held an air of disdain, as if he was born superior.
As expected, when he spoke, his tone was one of self-importance. “Let me introduce myself; I’m from the military. You can call me ‘Sir’.”
‘What kind of introduction is that?’ Ying Feng thought.
Fu Yao, not caring about Ying Feng’s thoughts, continued, “Firstly, I want to congratulate you on becoming an adult.”
Unsurprisingly, Ying Feng’s expression darkened, confirming Fu Yao’s suspicion that he didn’t voluntarily undergo the coming-of-age ceremony and was reluctant to accept the reality of its outcome.
Fu Yao, still prodding, added, “Secondly, I must congratulate you on defeating a Kui. Do you know how many people go their whole lives without seeing this epic creature? Not only did you encounter one, but you also defeated it. Quite surprising.”
“The Kui wasn’t killed by me,” Ying Feng retorted coldly. “It has nothing to do with me.”
“It had nothing to do with you before, but now it does.” Fu Yao leaned forward. “Because the one who defeated the Kui is your Qizi. You’re not only involved, but you’re also deeply connected.”
Ying Feng remained silent with a dark face, and Fu Yao sat back.
“Do you have anything to say about why your Qizi could kill the Kui alone? Or can you explain why he possessed Ember II, which even the military doesn’t allow?”
Seeing Ying Feng still silent, Fu Yao stood up. “I know you’ve just experienced some unplanned events and might be a bit overwhelmed. That’s fine; take your time to think.”
He left Ying Feng’s ward, and a medical staff member entered, pretending to check on Ying Feng’s condition casually. “The officer you just spoke to is Fu Yao, a Major General from the military,” he said nonchalantly while examining.
Ying Feng wasn’t interested in who that man was but remembered the name. The staff member clearly wanted to communicate further, but Ying Feng pretended not to notice.
Unable to contain his curiosity, the staff finally asked bluntly, “Did you and your Qizi really defeat a Kui?”
Ying Feng had thought that this news was already widespread. It turned out some still didn’t know.
He kindly advised, “No matter how you got the Ember, I suggest you cooperate with Major General Fu Yao’s investigation. Though he might be a bit sharp-tongued, he is a graduate of Bikong, essentially your senior, and he won’t treat you too harshly.”
“Is there a problem with my medical results?” Ying Feng suddenly asked.
The medical staff was taken aback and quickly shook his head. “You’re very healthy; one couldn’t tell you’ve just undergone the coming-of-age ceremony.”
“If there’s no issue, I’d like to take a shower,” he said. Covered in blood and dirt, Ying Feng, a bit of a clean freak, was reaching his limit of tolerance.
“Oh, alright. Please follow me.” The staff member led him to the bathroom. “Wait a moment; I’ll get you a change of clothes.”
As Ying Feng was led to the bathroom, he was unaware that in a room he’d just passed, Ling Xiao was lying inside, unconscious. While Ying Feng was nearly recovered, Ling Xiao wasn’t so fortunate and remained in a coma. Perhaps, being oblivious to everything was better luck for him at the moment.
Ling Xiao’s primary doctor and his assistant were discussing treatment plans when Fu Yao entered.
“How’s it going here?”
“He’s recovering steadily. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he’s not waking up anytime soon,” the staff informed Fu Yao.
“I’ve confirmed the unknown drug in his system.” Fu Yao handed over the test results of Ember.
“It’s really Ember? The second generation?” Though they had speculated this, the confirmation still surprised them. “No wonder he could kill a Kui all by himself, and no wonder his hormone levels are so chaotic. If he was injected with Ember II, it explains everything. We just don’t know where he got it from.”
“It’s not urgent. I believe that when he wakes up, we’ll get the answers we want. The second generation has strong side effects, and despite researchers’ best efforts, they couldn’t mitigate them, which is why its use has always been prohibited. Have you injected him with a purifying agent?”
“We haven’t,” the assistant answered.
Fu Yao looked surprised. “I remember during the experiment, the military doctor mentioned that those who are injected with the second generation, if not given a purifying agent in time, would die from Ember in their blood.”
“Presumably, those involved in the experiment were all Qizhu, right?” the lead doctor inquired.
“Yes, because the Qizhu generally have a better physical constitution. We feared that the Qizi wouldn’t withstand its side effects, so we selected only the best physically fit Qizhu from the military for the experiment.”
“Actually, it’s the opposite.” The lead doctor displayed Ling Xiao’s health data. “During our check, we found that inside him, there’s a stronger, purer, and more natural purifying energy at work, completely suppressing the negative effects brought by the second generation. With our current medical understanding, no man-made purifier can match it. We didn’t give any additional treatment because of this discovery.”
Fu Yao, sensing new information, quickly inquired, “What is it?”
“It’s a well-known fact that a Qizhu’s saliva has calming, detoxifying, and even paralyzing effects on the Qizi. But no one imagined that it could purify the side effects of the second generation. If not for that, he might have died in the mine long ago. Initially testing the second generation on Qizhu was a mistake. Perhaps it only shows its full potential in the Qizi.”
Fu Yao’s eyes lit up. “That’s an unexpected gain.”
“If this result is confirmed, Ember II can be officially put into use. This would significantly enhance the military’s strength.”
Fu Yao patted the doctor’s shoulder in approval. “Well done.”
Fu Yao dialed the military research institute as he quickly left the room. The two remaining people inside exchanged looks, realizing that the eager Major General had already notified relevant departments for testing. Soon, the long-shelved Ember II might become the military’s secret weapon, elevating the combat level of the Tianxiu people by leaps.
“So, the Qizi obtained Ember II through unknown means, defeated a Kui with it, and saving the Qizhu’s life. The Qizhu, drawn into the coming-of-age ceremony, suppressed the side effects of Ember II, inadvertently saving the Qizi in return. It seems the two are quite fated.”
“Hopefully, they’ll cherish this bond. I just saw the new Qizhu pass by here, and he didn’t look too good.”
Ying Feng washed away the grime, and as he stepped out of the shower, he paused as he passed a mirror.
Hesitating for a while, he wiped away the condensed mist on the mirror. A clear reflection appeared; wet black hair dripping water, its dark hue dominating the bright mirror. Yet more striking were the eyes beneath the bangs—eyes that were as dark as the hair, absorbing every shade of light; they were cold yet immensely heavy.
All the things he refused to acknowledge, accept, or remember were reflected in these dark orbs, constantly reminding him of what had happened.
He still remembered his last thought before going berserk and the reckless brawl that ensued, with rocks falling on them, oblivious to the collapsing mine.
He remembered the feeling of fangs piercing skin and the taste of blood, how he lost himself to instinct and did things he never had before. But the clearest memory was waking up and realizing Ling Xiao was beneath him.
Even if he tried to forget everything else, seeing these eyes in the mirror brought it all rushing back.
A once-in-a-lifetime chance, a bond even the brightest researchers couldn’t sever. Whether willing or not, it couldn’t be changed!
Dressed, Ying Feng left the bathroom and walked down the medical center’s corridor. He passed various military personnel; some eyed him curiously, others nodded politely. Yet none restricted his movements, seemingly convinced he wouldn’t leave.
Ying Feng, dressed neatly, emerged from the bathroom and walked along the corridor of the medical station. He encountered various uniformed soldiers along the way. Some looked at him with curiosity, while others nodded courteously. No one restrained him; everyone seemed to believe he wouldn’t leave the premises.
Ying Feng walked up to the main entrance, and not far from there, a conspicuous road sign stood. Upon reading its directions and distance, he realized that they were very close to the starport, almost as if one step would take him there.
He stood there, staring at the sign, lost in thought, until a crisp, youthful voice came from behind.
“Are you leaving?”
Ying Feng turned in confusion to see the principal of his academy. The principal had just completed treatment on his hand. Being a Qizi and not yet fully matured, his recovery was much slower than that of Fu Yao.
“Where would I go?”
“I don’t know. I just felt like you were about to leave.” The principal walked over and stood next to Ying Feng, both gazing at the sign.
“There once was a man, arrogant and conceited. He wanted someone he desired, regardless of the person’s feelings. He hoped that one day, after becoming a Qizhu, he could freely control the Qizi’s actions.”
“So, he waited for that person to awaken and arranged a perfect enclosed space. No one could escape from inside, nor could anyone enter from the outside. Only upon completing the coming-of-age ceremony would that space open.”
“He was overconfident and presumptuous, thinking he’d surely win the fight. However, to his surprise, the other party, to avoid his obsession, had been hiding their true strength for years to not pique his interest.”
The principal suddenly asked, “Can you guess the result of that battle?”
Ying Feng paused for a moment before replying, “Are you referring to yourself?”
“Yes,” the principal admitted candidly. “I set myself up in a losing situation. He wanted to leave, and the only way out was the coming-of-age ceremony. I thought I’d surely win, but I lost in the end.”
There were many rumors about the principal’s Qizhu, and Ying Feng had finally heard the most genuine version.
“The person who wanted to forcefully take the heart’s blood lost it. The space meant to trap someone else ended up trapping him for hundreds of years. That’s poetic justice.”
“Where is he… Your partner now?”
“He left. By the time I woke up, he was already gone. The last trace of him was at the starport, and he’s never returned since.”
Just when Ying Feng didn’t know what to say, the principal surprised him with another revelation.
“You look a lot like him, almost identical. The first time I saw you, I thought he had reincarnated. But I soon dismissed the idea. The chances of a reincarnated soul having the exact appearance as before would be incredibly slim, right?”
“More importantly, I believe he’s still alive, somewhere in this universe. If I, as a Qizi, have endured until now, how could he, as a Qizhu, be dead?”
The principal hadn’t shared his inner thoughts with anyone for many years, but once he started, he couldn’t stop.
“Although I was the one who made the initial mistake, I resented him for leaving so abruptly at first.”
“You’re a Qizhu, so you can’t understand the feelings of an abandoned Qizi. It’s like the soul is constantly wandering, never finding peace or warmth. Each night is torture.”
“Every day at the Disease Control Center felt endless. Gradually, I realized the unforgivable mistake of my past.”
“Now I’m grateful that I lost in the coming-of-age ceremony. If I had won, I wouldn’t have realized my mistake. I would have continued in my arrogance and conceit, wielding power carelessly and hurting the one I loved.”
“Thankfully, I lost, teaching me the difference between love and theft. I deeply regret my actions, but he decisively left, leaving me no chance to apologize.”
“I know that today’s incident isn’t what you wanted, and you might not want to face the person responsible for all of this. But if you decide to leave, no one can stop you.”
“But if you do, Ling Xiao will walk the path I walked, enduring what I’ve endured. He’ll be sent to the Disease Control Center, with no certainty of ever coming out. And if he does, he’ll be like me, relying on medication to survive, experiencing the pain of abandonment.”
“Back then, my pride prevented me from saying certain things. But now, if I could return to that day, I would say one thing to him as he was about to leave.”
“Ying Feng, you look so much like him. Sometimes I even get confused. Seeing you standing here, gazing at the sign to the starport, it’s as if I’m seeing him from years ago, knowing that once he took that step, he’d never look back.”
“I know this next request might be presumptuous, but can you grant me a wish? Pretend to be him, and let me finish what I want to say?”
Ying Feng’s eyes flickered. “What do you want to say?”
The principal turned and looked deeply into Ying Feng’s eyes. “Please stay.”
The author has something to say:
Tip: The saliva of the Qizhu has effects on the Qizi such as heat-clearing and detoxifying, pain-relieving and paralyzing, and hypnotic purification. The above effects do not take place simultaneously but adjust intelligently based on the subjective consciousness of the Qizhu and the physical needs of the Qizi.
The sweet metallic taste of blood spread across the tip of his tongue, permeating the entire mouth. Ying Feng increased the pressure of his bite. Ling Xiao’s body tensed for a moment, then went limp, as if he had lost all strength.
Sensing that his prey was no longer resisting, Ying Feng gradually lessened his force. His sharp teeth left two deep bite marks on Ling Xiao’s chest. Ying Feng lowered his head, licking the marks he left on Ling Xiao, his soft tongue circling around, then slowly moving towards the collarbone and neck. The scent of Ling Xiao’s blood, mixed with dust, made Ying Feng frown.
Ling Xiao was on the brink of death. There are many ways to die, but Ling Xiao seemed like a lost wanderer in the desert, barely alive under the scorching sun. Ying Feng’s kiss felt like someone pouring refreshing spring water into his mouth, reigniting the life within him.
The burning sensation from the Ember in his blood was suppressed by the purifying effect of Ying Feng’s saliva. Ling Xiao’s unusually high body temperature began to drop. His eyes twitched, but he couldn’t open them. The coolness from the kiss provided comfort to the scorching hot Ling Xiao, and out of an instinct to survive, he weakly responded to Ying Feng’s actions.
Ling Xiao’s obvious plea made Ying Feng pause for half a second, followed by a more aggressive round of actions. He fervently kissed Ling Xiao, his dominant tongue stirring in Ling Xiao’s mouth, occasionally their teeth clashing due to inexperience. Unswallowed saliva trickled down the corner of their mouths, forming a tempting trail that disappeared behind the ear.
As Ling Xiao’s temperature stabilized, the heat in Ying Feng’s body continued to surge. The predatory kisses could no longer satisfy his desires. But no one had ever taught Ying Feng how to handle this situation, and he knew even less about intimacy than the unconscious Ling Xiao beneath him.
Unable to find a way to release his desires, Ying Feng desperately bit Ling Xiao, attempting to satiate his lust this way. But besides leaving more suspicious marks on Ling Xiao, his cravings weren’t relieved but rather intensified.
Pain woke Ling Xiao, who moaned briefly, further exciting Ying Feng. He bit down on a sensitive part of Ling Xiao’s chest, causing Ling Xiao to tense and unconsciously lift his lower body, rubbing against Ying Feng’s private parts.
This contact brought electric pleasure to Ying Feng and gave him an idea. He began to mimic the movement, rubbing back against Ling Xiao. This limited pleasure temporarily satisfied him while he kept leaving more marks on Ling Xiao’s body.
However, such mild actions could hardly curb the overwhelming lust induced by the Ember extract. Ying Feng’s eyes glowed dangerously, and his heavy breathing was unsettling. If he couldn’t find a better way to release his tension soon, he might uncontrollably consume the unconscious Ling Xiao.
His gaze swept over Ling Xiao with ill intentions. Instinctively, he knew only this person could rescue him from his unbearable state.
The tight uniform became a hindrance. Ying Feng tried to unbutton it but failed several times due to his agitation. Finally, he hastily removed his coat and shirt, revealing his toned muscles, which were obviously not fully developed.
In an instant, the coolness brought him relief. Encouraged, Ying Feng quickly stripped off his trousers. The bulge in his underwear was evident, with traces of an unidentified liquid. Overwhelmed by his primal urges, without any shame, he removed his last piece of clothing, revealing his aroused state to the open air. The scorching object bounced a few times.
Ying Feng realized that all pleasure stemmed from that particular spot. Whenever it was stimulated, his entire body would tremble uncontrollably. He straddled Ling Xiao, gripping and randomly rubbing the rod-like object with one hand while the other uncontrollably roamed over Ling Xiao’s smooth skin, moving from the chest down to the waist, not missing any part. Under Ying Feng’s touch, Ling Xiao bit his lower lip, his head gently swaying from side to side.
Ying Feng’s inexperienced techniques occasionally hurt him. He let go of the rod and, imitating the movement from before, used his lower body in place of his hand to rub against Ling Xiao’s bare upper body. A clear liquid dripped down, smearing Ling Xiao’s abdomen. But with the viscous liquid’s lubrication, this motion was evidently more pleasurable. Ying Feng gasped for breath, moving against Ling Xiao in a way hard to describe with words. His hips moved uncontrollably downward, eventually discovering new territory between Ling Xiao’s legs.
He tightened his legs around Ling Xiao’s and inserted his hard penis between them, rhythmically thrusting. It was a biological instinct; something that could be understood without teaching. Unfortunately, the roughness of the fabric mixed pleasure with pain. Ying Feng couldn’t resist the pleasure nor tolerate the pain. After instinctively thrusting a few dozen times, he finally tore off Ling Xiao’s trousers in frustration. Ling Xiao’s top had already been torn to shreds by Ying Feng earlier, so now the two of them were completely naked, their privates pressed closely together. Ling Xiao’s lower body also responded, but due to his semi-conscious state, he wasn’t as vigorous as Ying Feng.
Ying Feng lay on top of Ling Xiao, his waist never stopping its rhythmic motion. The area between Ling Xiao’s legs was again smeared with the sticky liquid, and his own essence similarly stained Ying Feng’s abdomen. But Ying Feng’s usual obsession with cleanliness was nowhere to be found. Normally, he wouldn’t even touch Ling Xiao if he was dirty and injured. Yet today, he embraced and kissed Ling Xiao fervently. When sand entered his mouth, he simply spat it out, continuing to kiss Ling Xiao until the taste of blood was diluted. This primal act of one-sided desire was interrupted by Ling Xiao’s slow awakening. The weight of Ying Feng on him, on his broken rib, brought a sharp pain to his chest.
“Ugh…” Ling Xiao let out a pained moan.
However, whether he was conscious or not made no difference to Ying Feng, who continued his advances. Ling Xiao’s privates, with the friction against Ying Feng’s lower abdomen, also began to respond.
But the groggy Ling Xiao couldn’t connect Ying Feng’s advances with the scenes he’d secretly watched in the movie. He only felt that Ying Feng was causing pain in his chest and didn’t even realize his clothes were gone.
Using all his strength, Ling Xiao tried to lift a leg, hoping to kick Ying Feng away, but he was too weak. Ying Feng caught his knee, making it seem as if he was intentionally guiding the way.
This single movement led to an unintentional intimate contact. Ling Xiao’s entrance reflexively tightened, seemingly inviting its intruder. Ying Feng, with heightened senses at the moment, quickly grasped the hint. He spread Ling Xiao’s other leg, and the entrance he had been seeking was now exposed to the weapon that had its veins bulging.
Even in his drowsy state, Ling Xiao realized the precarious situation he was in. Ying Feng’s actions resembled the adult scenes he had sneaked peeks at, and he felt the pressure from Ying Feng’s hardness.
“Don’t…” His voice trembled in refusal. But he didn’t realize that from the moment they formed their bond, his body had accepted Ying Feng as its sole master. Now, sensing its master’s approach, it automatically became wet and relaxed, preparing for Ying Feng’s entry.
Feeling the pull from Ling Xiao’s entrance, Ying Feng lost control and wanted to enter. This clear invitation no longer made him hesitate. With a little force, he entered halfway smoothly. He repeated the motion, and his scorching heat was completely submerged into Ling Xiao’s body. The unprecedented tightness made him exhale in pleasure. After wandering outside for so long, he finally found where he belonged.
Ling Xiao felt a momentary discomfort, followed by an overwhelming feeling of fullness. It felt as if his lost soul was refilled, making him whole again. Tears involuntarily flowed from his eyes.
Ying Feng leaned down, unusually gentle, licking away the tears from Ling Xiao’s eyes. Ling Xiao, still resisting, spoke in a tearful voice, “Get out…”
Ying Feng’s brief tenderness was thoughtlessly expelled by Ling Xiao. Having just become a Qizhu, Ying Feng was still in the early stages of establishing his authority and had not yet learned to relinquish control over the separated soul. In this state, he was obviously unwilling to accept a Qizi who defied his will. Moreover, desire controlled his body; resisting up to this point was already his limit.
Ying Feng sat up, effortlessly spreading Ling Xiao’s legs once more. Given Ling Xiao’s current exhaustion and severe injuries, even if he were in perfect condition, he could not resist the whims of his Qizhu. Especially this Qizhu, who had already crossed the boundaries of reason.
Discovering the right way to assert his claim, Ying Feng thrusted forward forcefully, immediately eliciting a suppressed moan from Ling Xiao, far more pleasing than his earlier refusals. Enjoying this melodious sound, Ying Feng continuously moved, with intermittent moans uncontrollably escaping from the corner of Ling Xiao’s mouth. Along with Ying Feng’s heavy breathing, the sounds of flesh slapping together mixed with sizzling water, and other audible indications of their actions, they echoed in what was probably the most inauspicious setting ever for a bridal chamber.
Ling Xiao’s lower half was violently penetrated, and his upper body was also forced to sway. Already in a daze, his mind became even more muddled. He closed his eyes, seeing countless afterimages swaying before him. The dream had finally turned into reality. But the roles had shifted; the one who had previously been receiving was now on top, and he was helplessly at the mercy of the other.
Ying Feng’s hands gripped Ling Xiao’s thighs tightly. Looking down, he could see part of his own body moving inside Ling Xiao. The tight passage was only relaxed upon his initial entry. Afterwards, it sucked him in tightly, clinging to him without letting go. Even after numerous thrusts, there were no signs of slackening. Instead, it became even more burning and moist, providing unparalleled pleasure with every thrust.
Unfortunately, the severely injured Ling Xiao couldn’t experience the same pleasure. Despite trying multiple times, every time he attempted to open his eyes, he was forced to shut them, seeing only the vague silhouette of Ying Feng’s moving figure and his flushed eyes.
With one fierce thrust from Ying Feng, the weakened Ling Xiao passed out again.
An attacker who had lost his sanity and an unconscious receiver; this absurd one-sided affair continued for an unknown length of time. As he moved, Ying Feng’s gaze fixed on Ling Xiao’s earlobe, and without thinking, he leaned down, biting the soft flesh with the tip of his tooth.
It seemed like a signal, and the floodgates finally opened. All of Ying Feng’s pent-up desire was released, culminating in his first climax in ten years. Experiencing this pleasure for the first time in his life, even the usually rational and calm Ying Feng succumbed to the sensation.
After his release, Ying Feng lay on top of Ling Xiao, motionless with his eyes closed, absentmindedly playing with Ling Xiao’s earlobe.
When he finally realized what he had done, he sat up anxiously, staring in disbelief at the undeniable marks he had left on Ling Xiao.
Like someone who had done something wrong, Ying Feng hurriedly withdrew from Ling Xiao. The visible proof of their act confronted him directly, denying any chance of denial.
The crystalline fluid on Ling Xiao’s abdomen was another damning evidence. Not wanting to face the truth, Ying Feng impulsively tried to wipe it away but ended up with his hand covered in the sticky substance. He grabbed a nearby school uniform, presumably belonging to one of them, and desperately wiped his hand clean.
When he realized that the truth of what had transpired couldn’t be changed, Ying Feng discarded the uniform and covered his eyes in despair, overwhelmed by Ling Xiao’s lingering scent.
He had formed a bond, hastily completing the most important ceremony of his life with someone he hadn’t even considered. This blood bond was irrevocable, and the genes of their kind didn’t allow betrayal. From this moment on, his soul was tied to the unconscious man on the ground, and only death could separate them.
The previously heated Ying Feng now felt like he had plunged into an icy pit. He hastily dressed, as if this could cover up his previous beastly behavior.
After dressing neatly, Ying Feng sat against a wall. On the surface, he appeared calm, but inside, he was in turmoil. After sitting like this for a while, he realized that the other person in the secret room was still lying naked on the ground.
The school uniform pants he had roughly torn off Ling Xiao had lost a button, and he didn’t know where it had rolled off to. It took Ying Feng much longer to put them back on Ling Xiao than it had taken to remove them, and throughout the process, he turned his face away, unwilling to look directly at the body he had brutally ravished.
Sitting back down, Ying Feng reflected on this absurd series of events: the unexpected appearance of the Kui, the unexpected appearance of Ember, a life that should have ended but didn’t. One event linked to the next, not allowing him a moment to think. Of course, he couldn’t have known that Ling Xiao had hidden his awakening, or that Zhu Yue had fanned the flames. He only blamed himself for insisting on participating in the field training despite knowing about the awakening; that decision was a mistake.
Ying Feng leaned weakly against the wall; his eyes tightly shut. Whenever he was disturbed, the walnut in his breast pocket would comfort him. However, when he reached for it again out of habit, his hand recoiled the moment it touched his coat.
He was no longer worthy of touching it.
He had lost forever the person he had been searching for years.
Ling Xiao, the new Qizi, showed no sign of waking, while Ying Feng, the new Qizhu, closed his eyes. The tight and pitch-black space returned to its silence.
In another part of the dark cave, a group of people stood still. The fledgling they had just rescued, even though scared to the point of instability, insisted on moving forward with them.
“We will search for the missing students, but you need to leave this place,” the principal said as he picked up Zhu Yue’s dagger to return it to him and arranged for the rescue team to escort him out.
“No,” Zhu Yue protested anxiously. “I want to go with you.”
“This place is too dangerous, with unknown hazards. We won’t allow a fledgling to stay here. The medic is outside the cave. He will safely escort you back to the academy.”
Despite Zhu Yue’s strong desire to stay, he was forcefully taken out. After he left, the principal turned to the instructor and asked, “How far are the other two from here?”
The instructor checked the tracking device. After all the students were evacuated, only three dots remained on the tablet. “Their last location is to the northwest, a distance away from here.”
Fu Yao took a glance and accurately pointed out the direction. “Aim this way and move on.”
The soldiers began their methodical work again, carefully clearing the obstructing rocks. The path ahead was blocked even more, and they often had to stop to clear the obstructions.
After repeating this process several times, someone from the front reported, “Major! There’s something!”
Everyone rushed forward. The first person who discovered the scene handed over the collected items to Fu Yao.
Everyone present recognized them. They were the wreckage of personal terminals, shattered beyond recognition, and a dagger broken in two.
The sinking feeling was inevitable. The people of Tianxiu leave no bodies behind. Every item they found could be a memento of the deceased. Judging from the damage to these items, the chances of their owners surviving were slim.
Fragments of the terminal were scattered everywhere, not just near the wall but also in the open. It was impossible to tell whether these fragments came from one or two devices.
“Is this where the signal was lost?” Fu Yao asked as he walked around the site.
The instructor double-checked before answering, “Yes.”
Fu Yao squatted down. “There are clear traces of a large creature passing through. The passage is too narrow for it. The stone walls show signs of damage due to heavy impact.”
He looked up. “The footprints stretched a long distance, indicating it was running fast. The direction of the dirt suggests it was running this way, likely chasing something.”
He stood up and pointed. “Where there’s a chase, there’s hope. Don’t give up, keep digging.”
Despite the availability of high-tech explosive weapons, they were of no use here. Fortunately, they had sharp tools. Stones in their path were broken into small pieces, and the shaking of the cave had stopped since then, indicating the danger might be over.
Yet, the more things seemed calm, the more worrying the reality underneath. The rescuers were torn between hoping to find clues and fearing they might find another broken dagger. With mixed emotions, they hurried forward.
Ying Feng sat quietly in the darkness until faint noises reached him from afar. His senses, including hearing, vision, and intuition, were all sharper than before. He would not have noticed such faint sounds a few hours earlier. Now, he could even distinguish different voices.
This was the difference between a fledgling and an adult—no, an adult who was a Qizhu.
If he could hear it, so could those on the other side of the rock wall. Picking up a small stone, Ying Feng aimed precisely in the direction of the sound and threw it. The stone ricocheted multiple times before losing momentum and falling to the ground.
Fu Yao suddenly stopped the sergeant’s action. “Stop!”
Everyone reflexively halted their movements, as if their leader was intently listening for something.
“Is anyone there?” Fu Yao called out louder.
The response was another faint knocking sound. Many present heard it this time. The principal’s brow furrowed deeply; aside from the panting of the people around, he heard nothing.
However, those who heard it showed expressions of pleasant surprise. Fu Yao’s tone shifted. “Push forward with all our might!”
The rescuers were invigorated, and their efficiency greatly increased. When the last obstacle was finally cleared, joyful shouts came from the front. “There are people! Two of them!”
Everyone, who had been bracing for the worst outcome, was lifted by the news. It was an outcome beyond their wildest dreams.
The principal quickly made his way to the front of the group. In the enclosed cavern, a person sat against the wall, head bowed. Their uniform was torn in several places, with patches of dried blood evident.
The condition of the other individual was even worse. Lying on the ground, eyes closed, they seemed barely alive. Their uniform was almost gone, and the pants seemed hastily put on. Their exposed skin bore suspicious marks. All present were adults and understood immediately what those marks meant.
Without a second thought, the principal quickly approached the seated person. As the man slowly lifted his head, their eyes met. The principal froze, staring intently at Ying Feng’s face, as if entranced.
This eerie moment seemed to last forever until Ying Feng finally broke the silence. “What’s the matter?”
Realizing his own distraction, the principal averted his eyes. “Nothing, how are you?”
Before their arrival, Ying Feng had rested for a long time. His robust body began healing minor injuries automatically, and his stamina had somewhat recovered during the prolonged wait.
“I’m fine.” He glanced at Ling Xiao lying on the ground. “You might want to check on him.”
Turning his head, the principal saw that Ling Xiao’s injuries were evidently more severe than Ying Feng’s. The accompanying medical personnel began providing immediate first aid. There was a swarm of people around him, leaving no room for others to step in.
Fu Yao was the last to enter the tight space, which became crowded with so many people.
As soon as he arrived, someone approached to report, “Major General, it’s a Kui.”
Fu Yao raised an eyebrow in surprise. Pushing through the crowd, he saw someone clearing the ground, revealing the almost mythical creature known as the Kui from ancient records.
The sight of the Kui’s brutal end was even shocking for seasoned warriors like them. Fu Yao’s gaze swept the surroundings, noting the missing limbs.
With the injured person unconscious, he naturally approached Ying Feng. Upon seeing him, Fu Yao’s expression displayed surprise, his gaze moving between the principal and Ying Feng, filled with speculation.
However, he quickly dismissed his suspicions.
“How did you manage this?” he asked with keen interest, looking at Ying Feng.
Ying Feng subtly directed his gaze elsewhere. Following his cue, Fu Yao spotted something unusual. He picked up a portable injector from the pile of sand and stones. The injector was nearly empty, with only a trace of an orange residue remaining.
“Interesting,” he mused, holding the device. “Take everything from here back with us. Leave nothing behind.”
The military rescue team expertly set up a stretcher, carefully placing Ling Xiao on it and covering him with a blanket.
“Can you stand?” the principal asked Ying Feng, hesitating to offer his hand.
Ying Feng gritted his teeth and stood up. As long as he was conscious, his pride wouldn’t allow anyone to assist him.
Noticing that Ying Feng didn’t need help, the principal hesitated briefly before removing his jacket and handing it to him.
The gesture caught Ying Feng off guard, but he accepted the principal’s offer. Despite this, he noticed something unusual about the principal.
“Principal, what happened to your hand?”
“Just a minor issue. It’s nothing.”
Downplaying the matter, the principal followed the military personnel, escorting the injured duo out of the cave. The corpse of the Kui was too massive, so some had to stay behind, looking for ways to transport it out.
The team doctor waiting anxiously outside was relieved to see the two students emerge—in his eyes, any physical injury was treatable, and being alive meant they were unharmed.
“What on earth happened inside?” He urgently asked as he approached. “Why did the cave collapse?”
“Three S-grade creatures appeared in the cave,” the principal briefly explained to him. “When they were discovered, a Kui’s body was also found.”
“A Kui?” The team doctor exclaimed in disbelief. “A corpse? Who did it?”
The principal turned his gaze to Ying Feng, who then looked at Ling Xiao on the stretcher. The answer was clear.
However, the team doctor didn’t follow the gaze, as one shock came after another. “Your eyes? You…?”
The principal patted him on the shoulder to calm him. “Don’t ask about other matters for now. The priority is to get them treated as soon as possible.”
“Ah? Oh…” It was only then that the team doctor remembered his primary duty. Just as he was about to instruct the others to lift Ling Xiao onto Bikong’s flying device, Fu Yao intervened.
“There’s an emergency medical station set up by the military nearby. We will take the students there for first aid.”
“That’s good…” The team doctor began to reply but was interrupted by the principal.
“The academy’s medical resources can handle this situation,” the principal stated decisively. “We can treat them back at the school.”
Fu Yao raised the syringe in his hand. “I’m afraid you won’t have a say this time,” he waved his hand, “Take them to the Burning Shadow.”
What the principal feared the most was this. The Burning Shadow was a battleship under Fu Yao’s command. Students from two junior colleges turned the tables on a Kui. The situation was suspicious, and the military would surely intervene. Although the academy’s medical expertise wasn’t as advanced as the military’s, the principal hoped to keep matters under the academy’s control. But now, it seemed that hope was shattered.
“I’ll go with you,” the principal compromised slightly.
Fu Yao didn’t object this time. “Suit yourself.”
As Fu Yao mentioned, the medical station was indeed close. Although it was just an emergency station, it had the most advanced medical equipment, capable of providing the best treatment for injured soldiers.
From the beginning, Ling Xiao had no idea where he was taken. Ying Feng followed the instructions of the medical staff and underwent a full health check-up.
“He has multiple external injuries, the most severe of which is a fracture. Fortunately, his internal organs aren’t damaged,” the medic in charge said to another person, looking at the test results. “However, 80% of the injuries are already healing on their own. His physical indicators are excellent. I haven’t seen such impressive data for many years. I think Major General Fu Yao will be pleased.”
“They accidentally completed the coming-of-age ceremony during their field practice. Both the Qizhu and the Qizi are exceptionally powerful in their juvenile state. Such a strong combination is rare. Such rare talents will definitely become a focus for the military in the future.”
“But there’s a significant risk with a strong bond.”
“You’re referring to the psychological quality of the loser? Indeed, if the Qizi cannot endure the chaotic period, the Qizhu will not develop fully. Even if they can enter the military academy, the lack of growth opportunities means they won’t progress in the military.”
“Ah.” The first person sighed. “I hope the others can pass through this period smoothly. It would be a pity if anything happened to such talented kids.”
“Major General,” one of them caught sight of Fu Yao entering and immediately stood up in salute, followed by the other.
Fu Yao, having just received treatment for his hand, returned the salute and approached. “What are the test results?”
The medical staff printed out the report. “Here’s the report.”
Fu Yao skimmed through. “Any abnormalities?”
“If I have to say…” The doctor hesitated. “His secretion of sex hormones is slightly high. But considering they just completed the coming-of-age ceremony, it’s possible.”
“Could this result be induced by hormonal imbalances in the other person?”
“Of course. He was previously an awakened juvenile, and hormonal instability is normal. It can easily be influenced by external factors, including fighting, intimacy, or even unintentional contact. Even if suppressants were administered beforehand, they would be ineffective. Major General, is there a problem with the other person?”
Fu Yao handed them another report. “This is the result from next door.”
Both immediately noticed the anomaly. “How can this be? This is strange.”
“You find it problematic too?”
“The level of sex hormones in his body is too high, far beyond the normal range. Even the hormone secretion during the coming-of-age ceremony shouldn’t be this high.”
“But the result you see is not the peak value. Because when this data was collected, his hormonal levels had already been suppressed. That means, when he truly lost control, the value would have been much higher.”
The two exchanged glances.
Fu Yao’s expression was enigmatic. “It seems only another report can tell us the truth.”
The third report arrived just in time, along with some fragments of unknown origin.
“We’ve checked the fragments scattered at the scene. They are pieces of a common medicinal spray container. However, there are no residues on them, so we can’t determine the contents of the medicine. Fortunately, there’s a label on the bottle.”
After saying this, he handed the pieced-together label to the medical personnel on-site to identify. The label was badly damaged, but the words on it were still vaguely visible.
“This is a suppressant spray used by fledglings during their awakening phase. It has the same ingredients as the injectable suppressant, but it’s used in emergencies. For a fledgling that has awakened, having this drug on them is quite common.”
Another person added, “This type of spray container is indeed common, but its material has its uniqueness. Any liquid medicine stored in such a container shares one characteristic: it’s highly unstable. If it’s exposed to the air over a large area, it will quickly evaporate and decompose. After a while, even the most precise instruments can’t detect its presence in the air.”
Fu Yao summarized their statements. “So, one person lost control for some reason and tried to forcefully take another person’s heart’s blood. The other person resisted, but unfortunately, the internal suppressant became ineffective during their scuffle. The bottle containing the suppressant spray was broken, and hormonal levels skyrocketed uncontrollably.”
“In a situation where escape was impossible, they were reluctantly dragged into the coming-of-age ceremony,” Fu Yao sneered. “It feels like a familiar plotline. I think I’ve heard it somewhere before.”
“But the question is,” the chief physician voiced his doubt, “Why did the first person suddenly lose control?”
“That’s what this report is going to tell us.” Fu Yao finally pulled out the report, directly scanning to the end where the test results were. A smirk appeared on his lips. “I guessed right. The syringe found at the scene was filled with Ember.”
“Ember?” The other two were shocked. “How could a fledgling possibly get their hands on Ember?”
“It’s not just Ember.” Fu Yao’s gaze pierced through the glass, resting directly on Ying Feng inside the transparent treatment chamber. “It’s Ember II, which even the military has banned.”
Ying Feng and Ling Xiao were already wrestling with each other on the ground. From the moment Ling Xiao bared his fangs, Ying Feng instinctively felt something was wrong. When the latter targeted his chest to bite, a wave of strong resistance surged from deep within, accompanied by a sense of danger and fear of the unknown, even more so than when facing the Kui.
Just as Ling Xiao was about to bite, Ying Feng mustered all his strength and landed a punch, pushing him away.
That punch gave Ying Feng a brief moment of respite. However, it was quickly interrupted by Ling Xiao’s relentless assault. In this uncontrolled state, Ling Xiao was numb to pain. Regardless of his own injuries, his sole focus was to overpower the man in front of him.
Ying Feng didn’t understand why Ling Xiao was behaving like this, but every time those sharp fangs approached, his heart’s fear intensified. He was determined to prevent Ling Xiao’s intentions and fought back without hesitation.
Thus, both received and dealt several punches, panting heavily from their intense struggle. Their fighting was crude and primitive, like two barbarians who didn’t know how to fight at all, brutally attacking each other without care for appearances. Their uniforms, already stained with dirt and blood, worsened.
If someone were there, they would never recognize them as the outstanding fledglings from the tenth grade at Bikong. They might mistake them for two mad dogs fighting over territory.
With a swift move, Ying Feng gained the upper hand, pinning Ling Xiao beneath him. Without hesitation, he punched Ling Xiao’s face, trying to snap him out of his chaotic state.
“Have you lost your mind?” To Ying Feng, Ling Xiao seemed like an irrational madman.
Ling Xiao, seemingly numb to pain, took the punch without even attempting to block. Then, using his strength, he reversed their positions and landed a heavy punch on Ying Feng’s cheek.
Ying Feng tasted blood in his mouth, making his anger surge. The Kui failed to kill them, but now they were brutally fighting each other, with Ling Xiao looking like he wanted Ying Feng dead.
It was unclear whether it was the lingering effects of the ember or the fact that Ying Feng had just gone through a series of ordeals, but his physical strength was far from its peak. Ling Xiao, whether in terms of attack power or speed, seemed to be much stronger than usual.
During training or practice, Ying Feng could clearly match Ling Xiao and even take the lead in some moves. However, at this moment, he was clearly at a disadvantage. There were several times when he was almost completely overwhelmed by the other. If not for his heightened instincts, he would have been no match for Ling Xiao.
After dozens of exchanges, Ying Feng realized he wasn’t dealing with a regular human. The ferocity in Ling Xiao’s eyes and the growls emanating from deep within resembled that of the Kui, a beast—devoid of reason, fear, or pain. He was like a wild animal, a machine, or perhaps just a tangible thought.
And that thought was to ruthlessly plunge his fangs into Ying Feng’s chest.
“Have you awakened?” Ying Feng, once again pinned down, finally realized.
With a terrifying growl, Ling Xiao held Ying Feng firmly beneath him, his fangs getting closer, about to pierce into Ying Feng’s chest…
…..
Another violent shake. The rescuers had to steady themselves against the wall to avoid falling.
“Listen!” Fu Yao suddenly exclaimed.
Everyone strained their ears. From an unknown direction, a muffled rumbling sound echoed. As the noise faded, everything went quiet again. Occasionally, restless sand and stones would fall, their impacts creating a stark silence. The scene was like a grand performance suddenly halted, leaving the audience clueless about what had just transpired.
“The fluctuations… seem to have ended?” The instructor murmured softly.
What happened?
Everyone felt an internal alarm. Calm often signaled greater danger. If there really were legendary creatures lurking, with their fledgling abilities, they would stand no chance against them. If the creature’s power had vanished, the most likely scenario was a severe cave-in deep within, burying all living beings.
This would be the worst possible outcome. The loss of even one fledgling would be a severe tragedy for their race. If more than one were lost, it would be a disaster.
The principal’s and the major’s faces changed simultaneously. Without a word, both threw a crystal into their hands. The crystal disappeared, and their palms emitted a white light.
Both placed their palms on a massive stone to the right. Miraculously, the solid rock began to melt like ice. Each carved out a hole on the rock’s surface.
Watching anxiously, the instructor knew that generating such high heat to melt anything would also rebound upon the user, burning them. Not every Tianxiu person could master this kind of self-damaging technique.
Only this slow erosion wouldn’t risk another collapse. The two quickly exhausted their energy, and only a thin layer of rock remained.
The principal’s and the major’s right hands drooped down. The instructor knew that their hands couldn’t be used again until they received adequate treatment.
Others rushed to help, carefully chiseling out an opening in the rock face. A tense fledgling appeared behind the stone wall. He sat on the ground, tightly holding a dagger, warily and fearfully eyeing everyone.
It was the fledgling from Team A, the one who could barely hold a dagger. The instructor’s anxiety eased a bit. Regardless of how fragile the student appeared, he never wanted harm to come to them.
“Don’t be afraid. It’s me,” the principal said, extending his usable left hand to Zhu Yue. “I’m your principal. Give me the weapon.”
Slowly recognizing the voices, Zhu Yue, overwhelmed by fear, let the dagger clang to the ground.
“Are two other students trapped here? Have you seen them?” The principal asked after Zhu Yue was helped up.
“Others?” Zhu Yue’s eyes flickered in confusion, thinking that with their abilities, others could have easily escaped, leaving only him trapped. “Who?”
“One is Ling Xiao from Team B, and the other is Ying Feng from your group. Did you see them?” The instructor interjected quickly.
Zhu Yue’s eyes widened in shock. “Ying Feng is also missing?”
His reaction clearly answered the principal’s question. Seeing that Zhu Yue also didn’t know the whereabouts of the two, everyone present exchanged somber glances, their hopes sinking once again.
……
Ling Xiao’s fangs drew nearer. Realizing his intentions, Ying Feng understood his erratic behavior.
Using all his strength, Ying Feng thrust Ling Xiao aside, desperate to escape the suffocating cave. It seemed Ling Xiao, due to the aftereffects of the Embers, couldn’t control himself. However, Ying Feng didn’t want to be dragged into some bizarre coming-of-age ceremony.
As Ling Xiao attacked again, Ying Feng’s latent power erupted, launching a furious counterattack. He needed to subdue Ling Xiao quickly to prevent this absurd accident.
The two wrestled and rolled on the ground. Seizing an opportunity, Ying Feng choked Ling Xiao with one hand and pummeled him with the other, targeting his weakest spots.
Ling Xiao, already severely injured from the earlier fight with the Kui and only propped up by the Ember’s effects, temporarily lost his ability to fight back after this onslaught.
Knowing Ling Xiao would recover soon and unable to find any substitutes in the cave, Ying Feng bit the bullet. Tearing off Ling Xiao’s already tattered clothes, he firmly bound his wrists together.
After doing all of this, Ying Feng heavily sat by the wall, with his disordered breathing and rapid heartbeat, reminding him of a terrible fact.
The abnormal physical reaction was not only due to the intense physical exertion. Another hidden reason slowly emerged and even began to dominate. The warning from Yao Tai only resonated in his ears now:
—Remember, although this suppressant can suppress your bodily reactions, you still need to be careful not to get too close to those who are awakening. Otherwise, the hormone secretion in their body may also affect you, indirectly causing the drug to lose its effect.
How could Ying Feng know that in the past week he had been interacting too closely with someone who was pre-awakened but unaware of it in the medical building, training hall, and field practice? Frequent physical contact caused the suppressant in his body to fail multiple times, and even the last shot given by Yao Tai had become useless.
After the recent confrontation, Ling Xiao’s out-of-control hormone levels further triggered hormonal chaos in Ying Feng. Heavily influenced by Ling Xiao, Ying Feng could no longer control his physiological reactions.
At the other end of the narrow space, Ling Xiao struggled desperately, madly trying to break free from the shackles on his wrists. It was only a matter of time before he broke free from this rudimentary restraint. At this crucial moment, Ying Feng suddenly remembered the emergency suppressant spray given by Yao Tai.
He immediately checked the spray in his pocket. Even though the terminal screen had been shattered by the Kui’s violent attack, the bottle miraculously remained intact, which was a stroke of good luck.
Without hesitation, Ying Feng pressed the nozzle near his mouth and nose and took a few deep breaths. Numerous tiny liquid particles flowed with the air into his nostrils, trachea, and lungs, rapidly combining with his cells and starting to work.
The psychological comfort temporarily calmed him down. Ying Feng closed his eyes to recover, trying to regain his usual calm during this rare break. But the time was too short—so short that he hadn’t noticed the abnormality of the drug before being drawn into a new round of struggle.
The sudden gust in front alerted Ying Feng, and he swiftly dodged to the side, evading an attack from Ling Xiao.
The punch went deep into the wall, with dozens of stones rolling down. Some, with high speed, splashed out. One hit the medicine bottle in Ying Feng’s hand, shattering its hard shell.
The liquid inside quickly evaporated, filling the space with a colorless and odorless gas. The substance mistakenly placed by Zhu Yue, which could cause a hormonal imbalance in humans, infiltrated the bodies of the two, who were already out of control or close to it.
Ying Feng finally let out a low growl, no longer passively counterattacking but actively launching a fierce assault on Ling Xiao. His strength and speed were both much greater than usual, and the gap between him and Ling Xiao was gradually closing, even reversing. Ling Xiao’s more severe injuries meant that Ying Feng slowly took the upper hand.
In their inevitable contact, their body temperatures kept rising. The boiling blood burned their reason, and their defenseless offense turned this fight into a slaughter.
More terrifying than a Tianxiu person were two out-of-control Tianxiu people. They recklessly tangled and fought in the collapsing mine, with falling stones and dirt showering on them, covering the Kui’s corpse with a thick layer.
Ying Feng’s last memory was of conquering the person in front of him at all costs. He used all his strength to knock him down, pounced, pinned his limbs, and bared his sharp fangs.
The moment the fangs pierced Ling Xiao’s chest, he still struggled hard, but soon, his resistance weakened, and as his blood was drained little by little, his hand hanging in the air weakly fell.
In his unfocused pupils, it was as if someone had extracted the black pigment little by little with a needle, leaving only a shallow gray behind.
The extracted black was then poured back into Ying Feng’s eyes in the same way, deepening until it became bottomless black.
Kinky Translations 