Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 18

“Dr. Yao!” Medical staff from other areas rushed in, all waiting for her instructions.

But she just waved her hand. “Seal the academy’s exits and split up to search.”

After dismissing everyone, Yao Tai took big strides towards Ping Zong.

Among everyone present, Ping Zong was the most anxious. Upon hearing the news of Lan Sheng’s disappearance, he stood there helplessly. Seeing Yao Tai approaching him, he was unsure why.

“Close your eyes,” Yao Tai said without hesitation as she pressed both of Ping Zong’s shoulders. “Focus your energy.”

Ping Zong closed his eyes as instructed, but his concern for Lan Sheng occupied most of his thoughts, and he couldn’t concentrate.

Yao Tai’s slow speech was in stark contrast to the current urgent situation; her voice was so calm that it seemed hypnotic.

“Feel his location.”

Ping Zong tried to think in the direction she pointed, but he was still kept out by Lan Sheng’s mental barrier. The resistance was stronger than he expected. The conflict was evident on his face, making Ling Xiao wish he could take his place.

In contrast, Ying Feng was much calmer. From Yao Tai’s words, he learned for the first time the extent of a Qizhu’s mental strength. No wonder they say that the Qizi have no freedom.

His gaze shifted from the troubled Ping Zong to the anxious Ling Xiao, who clenched his fists, looking as if he were the one exerting the effort.

Yao Tai continued her guidance. “Slowly, concentrate, and sense his position.”

Ping Zong shook his head in pain and opened his eyes. “I can’t do it.”

“You can.” Yao Tai still maintained her previous pace. “You’re his Qizhu. It’s your right. You must be resolute and not be swayed by his emotions.”

Ping Zong closed his eyes again, frowning and shaking his head. Time ticked away without any progress.

Just as Ling Xiao was getting anxious for him, Yao Tai’s soft voice suddenly turned sharp, startling everyone.

“Hurry! If we don’t find him, he’ll die!”

Ping Zong’s eyes shot open. “The rooftop! He’s on the rooftop!”

Everyone thought Lan Sheng had run away. They never expected him to be on the rooftop. Upon hearing the location, Ling Xiao was the first to dash out, followed closely by Ying Feng, whose speed matched his. Ping Zong, who most wanted to see Lan Sheng, was left behind because his body hadn’t fully recovered.

Ling Xiao was the first to reach the rooftop. But the sight before him made his heart race. Lan Sheng was standing on the edge. One more step, and he would plummet.

The wind billowed around him, his body swaying. Everyone stopped in their tracks, fearing that any noise might make him fall.

Ping Zong, the last to arrive, tried to push past Ling Xiao and Ying Feng to see, but they stood closer together, as if trying to delay the inevitable.

The noise caught Lan Sheng’s attention. He turned to look. The look in his eyes was seared into Ling Xiao’s memory—a look he’d never forget.

It was not the Lan Sheng he knew. Along with the darkness in his eyes, all signs of life seemed to have disappeared.

At that moment, Ling Xiao realized, without a doubt, that Lan Sheng truly wanted to die. Every word Yao Tai said by Ping Zong’s bedside was no exaggeration.

Ling Xiao, shocked, was pushed aside by Ping Zong, and the same scene unfolded before him.

Ling Xiao, seemingly coming back to his senses, urgently called out, “Ping Zong!”

But he couldn’t continue, at a loss for words.

Yao Tai, having been through such situations more than once, remained calm. She discreetly sent a distress signal via her personal terminal, hoping for timely assistance.

Then, Ping Zong spoke.

“Lan Sheng.” His voice was trembling. “I didn’t mean to retaliate. I truly wasn’t in control then. I don’t know what happened. Do you believe me?”

“What he said is true,” Ling Xiao quickly added, “The truth isn’t what the doctor said. We were all deceived. Ping Zong is also a victim. Apparently, during the coming-of-age ceremony, everyone is forced to act. You can distrust everyone, but how can you not trust Ping Zong? He sincerely wanted to give his heart’s blood for you. Do you think this outcome is what he hoped for?”

The words of these two people couldn’t shake Lan Sheng at all. An inorganic voice came from the wind and reached the ears of everyone present.

“The outcome is already determined. Does it matter whether it’s unintentional or intentional?”

This was definitely not the Lan Sheng that Ling Xiao was familiar with. The Lan Sheng he knew would never say such words to Ping Zong. Although he often had sharp words and was always pessimistic, he would never speak so coldly to his beloved.

It was only at this moment that Ling Xiao finally understood the mental disorder caused by the hormonal imbalance that Yao Tai mentioned—it was enough to turn one person into another, blinding their mind, controlling their actions, and even destroying their emotions.

“You come down first, and we can talk slowly, okay?” Ping Zong was still trying. “Dr. Yao said that you are currently experiencing a temporary hormonal imbalance. As long as we stay together for 72 hours, your mentality will return to normal. Please don’t do anything rash now.”

“It’s no use talking to him now,” Yao Tai whispered quickly behind him. “His current mental state can’t communicate with normal thinking. He won’t listen to anything you say.”

Ping Zong hesitated, obviously torn.

“Use the method I taught you. It’s the only way now. If you want him to live, you must control his mind. There’s no other way!”

“Lan Sheng!” Ping Zong called out unwillingly.

Yao Tai had lost hope in his indecision, and Ling Xiao’s anxiety was no less than that of Ping Zong. She exchanged glances with Ying Feng, and they both understood. The two tried to minimize their movements as they approached Lan Sheng from two different directions, trying to get close to him on the wall.

Now, Yao Tai only hoped that Ping Zong and Ling Xiao could buy them some time.

“Lan Sheng, do you remember what Dr. Yao and the professor said? As long as two souls are equal, their statuses are equal. I don’t know why things turned out this way, but I can promise you, whatever you promised me, I can do the same. Since we won’t abuse our rights, why are you so concerned about our status?”

“Lan Sheng, I promise you, I will cherish and respect you, using the power and rights I have to protect you. I will never oppress you with the position of the Qizhu. Our relationship remains the same; nothing will change. I’m asking you, not as a Qizhu but as a lover, can you please come down?”

—I willingly offer my heart’s blood, and in this life, I am his Qizi.

—I will also use the power and rights I have to protect him, and never oppress him with the position of the Qizhu.

Every word Ping Zong said was something Lan Sheng had said to him before, which had once confirmed his decision to spend his life with this man, even at the cost of his own life. But the same words couldn’t move the person in front of him at all, regardless of how Ping Zong tried to appeal to his emotions.

“Dr. Yao and the professor said that as long as two souls are equal, their statuses are equal.” Lan Sheng slowly turned around, and every little movement of his made everyone hold their breath. “But they also said that the professor willingly offered his heart’s blood during the coming-of-age ceremony and never regretted it.”

Yao Tai tensed up upon hearing this.

“Which statement should I believe?” Lan Sheng asked. “Dr. Yao deceived me, the professor deceived me, and even you deceived me.”

“I…” Ping Zong wanted to explain but found himself at a loss for words.

“For all these years, I prided myself on being able to protect you, even feeling proud of it. Thank you for satisfying my vanity for so long. My doubt only existed for a moment, when you blocked Ling Xiao’s punch. If it were me, I definitely couldn’t have done it without a scratch. Ling Xiao probably realized this long ago.”

“Even someone as obtuse as him realized that you’ve been indulging me all this time. Looking back, among the three of us, I am the most foolish one. I thought I was great when I was actually worthless.”

“You’re not!” Ping Zong retorted passionately. “I’ve never thought of you that way!”

“Every adult has been lying to us, my best friend hid things from me, and I can’t even trust the one I love.”

“Stop being foolish, alright?” Ling Xiao blurted out angrily. “He wasn’t trying to use you. Speaking of secrets, you two hid your relationship from me for three years. Did I ever say anything? Who said in the beginning that the bond between the Qizhu and Qizi would be based on each one’s own abilities? Even without all those lies, during the coming-of-age ceremony, you would still lose, still become the Qizi. How is that any different from today’s outcome?”

“You’re right,” Lan Sheng admitted nonchalantly. “I lost to you at the coming-of-age ceremony because I was less skilled. I shouldn’t blame you.”

“But I also can’t accept this version of me. I can’t accept living as a loser.”

“You’re not a loser!” Ping Zong roared, unable to hold back. “When I chose to become your Qizi, did you treat me as a loser?”

“I did say that to you, and I meant it. I still love you to this day. I just can’t accept myself. Thank you for putting up with me all these years. I’m sorry for holding you back in this life. In the next… No, there might not even be a chance to make up for it in the next life.”

“Lan Sheng!”

Lan Sheng’s voice was calm and composed. “Goodbye, Ping Zong.”

With one last glance at Ping Zong and Ling Xiao by his side, he leaned back, tracing an arc with his hand in the air.

Ling Xiao dashed to the edge without hesitation. Yao Tai and Ying Feng, who were closer, lunged from both sides. Yao Tai missed, but Ying Feng managed to grab a corner of Lan Sheng’s sleeve. However, the grip was slipping due to the weight. Without a second thought, Ling Xiao reached out to grasp Ying Feng’s hand and helped pull up, extending his other hand to grab Lan Sheng’s.

Turning to Ping Zong, who stood frozen, he yelled, “What are you waiting for? Help!”

Yao Tai deftly leaped over the barrier, one hand holding onto the edge and the other reaching for Lan Sheng, hanging in mid-air, attempting to pull him up.

“Watch out!” Ling Xiao, with sharp eyes, noticed Lan Sheng drawing a dagger from his waist and feigning a stab at Yao Tai, who swayed to dodge and almost lost her grip. Ling Xiao released Ying Feng and caught her just in time.

At that moment, Lan Sheng’s dagger suddenly changed direction, cutting off the corner of his sleeve. Ying Feng felt the weight disappear from his grasp, and they all watched helplessly as Lan Sheng plummeted.

“Lan Sheng!” Ling Xiao’s heart-wrenching scream echoed. Simultaneously, a brilliant flash of white light appeared, and to Ling Xiao’s astonishment, Pingzong appeared beside the falling Lan Sheng, gently embracing him. Their descent slowed until they safely landed on the ground.

Yao Tai used her right hand to propel herself back onto the rooftop. Ling Xiao turned around, but Ping Zong was nowhere to be found.

“What just happened?” Ling Xiao felt a sense of foreboding. Looking at Yao Tai, she turned away, closing her eyes in agony, as if she couldn’t bear to see.

With trembling lips, Ling Xiao managed to utter. “Dr. Yao…”

“In the end, he mastered a unique ability of the Qizhu,” Yao Tai murmured, “A power that can only be used once in a lifetime, the ultimate and most potent ability.”

“You mean…?”

“To exchange one’s life for another. That is the highest power of the Qizhu.”

On the distant ground, clarity returned to Lan Sheng’s eyes, but with it came confusion.

“Ping Zong, your body…”

Ping Zong’s body was starting to become transparent. “Lan Sheng, remember when you said that one life is just one life and that you wouldn’t hope for an uncertain next life? If I leave you in this life, you will continue living, cherishing the memories of me.”

He gently caressed Lan Sheng’s face, but all Lan Sheng felt was a wisp of smoke. “The things your crow’s mouth spews, they always come true.”

Around him, countless radiant spots emerged, intensifying in brightness and quantity, eventually forming a bright blue sphere, emitting blinding light.

Lan Sheng reached out but grasped nothing.

On this morning, the early risers of Bikong witnessed a bright blue orb rise from the direction of the medical building, piercing through the clouds towards the soul lighthouse, disappearing forever.

---

The author has something to say:

Tips: The Tianxiu people have a unique eye structure. They can see things in strong light and in the dark and are not far or nearsighted, so the glasses they wear are purely functional, like for storing data.

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 17

The ward was quiet; not a single sound could be heard.

Ping Zong sat on the bed, as if turned to stone.

A second felt like it had stretched to a century, making everyone experience the feeling of time dragging on endlessly.

“Mirror.” Ping Zong, seemingly petrified, suddenly spoke.

No one moved.

“I want a mirror,” Ping Zong repeated firmly. Ling Xiao helplessly sought assistance from Yao Tai, who gestured to the medical staff. Shortly, a mirror was presented to Ping Zong.

Staring at his reflection, Ping Zong was taken aback. Even though only the color of his eyes had changed, it seemed like he had become an entirely different person.

Under the stimulation of the truth, memories gradually returned: the intense fight, the sweet scent of blood, and the slowly fading gray in Lan Sheng’s eyes. The events of the previous night replayed. Ling Xiao didn’t deceive him, he had won. The loser was Lan Sheng.

“I want to see him,” Ping Zong said, pulling back his blankets to get off the bed.

“He won’t want to see you.” Yao Tai finally spoke. “Given his current mental state, he’s not seeing anyone.”

Disbelief filled Ping Zong’s dark eyes. “But I am not just anyone.”

“I assume the last person he wants to see right now is you. There’s no more time for you to ponder,” Yao Tai stated gravely. “What I am about to tell you is extremely important. Please listen to every word.”

Before he could recover from the most significant blow of his life, Ping Zong was forced to attentively grasp new information.

“After the coming-of-age ceremony, the Qizi releases a surge of hormones, affecting their brain and causing emotional turmoil. I know the outcome of your ceremony was unexpected, which led to him secreting several times the normal amount. Based on our instruments, in the next 72 hours, he will experience intense anger, irritability, panic, or feelings of despair. Currently, no drug can treat or control these negative emotions.”

“How can that be?” Ping Zong inquired anxiously. “How do others get through this?”

“The Qizhu is the only one who can soothe the Qizi. Usually, after the ceremony, we encourage the Qizhu to spend as much time with the Qizi as possible. However, looking at Lan Sheng’s current state, he won’t allow anyone, including you, to be close.” Yao Tai’s voice deepened. “This means you must quickly learn how to control your Qizi.”

Ping Zong’s eyes widened. “Control?”

“Exactly. Many Qizhu spend months or even a year mastering this, but you might not have that much time. Lan Sheng’s mental assessment has reached a high-risk level. Historically, the mortality rate for such individuals is up to 50%.”

Ping Zong tensed up. “I will learn.”

“Focus and try to infiltrate his mental realm. Do whatever it takes, even if it means forcefully controlling his mind. Believe in your ability to dominate your Qizi. Remember, you’re not equals. You are controlling him, and this is a forceful measure. Any pity or soft-heartedness will cause a failure in the mental connection.”

Ping Zong closed his eyes, visibly straining in his effort. Yao Tai watched him for a moment before leaving, with Ling Xiao and the others departing the ward to give Ping Zong a tranquil environment.

Outside, Zhi Shang hesitantly asked, “What do you think?”

Yao Tai shook her head. “Not optimistic. That boy still can’t fully accept his identity as a Qizhu. He’s emotionally sensitive, which might hinder him from breaking through the mental barrier.”

Simply put, he was too compassionate. The colder one was, the faster they could master this ability. Clearly, Ping Zong’s feelings for Lan Sheng were overwhelming.

Zhi Shang shook his head in disbelief. “This is my fault. Like the student said, I deceived them.”

Yao Tai silenced him. “It’s not your fault. Even if you hadn’t said those things, they would’ve faced this phase.”

“But I gave them hope.” Zhi Shang’s guilt wasn’t alleviated. “I painted a dream for them, only to find out it was a nightmare. If they knew it was a nightmare from the beginning, they would’ve been prepared and wouldn’t have been shattered.”

Yao Tai stayed silent for a while, finally offering him a silent embrace.

The communication light on Yao Tai’s terminal lit up. “Dr. Yao, the student in the intensive care unit is awake.”

Ending the brief hug, Yao Tai quickly made her way upstairs. By the time she and another person arrived, Ling Xiao and his classmates, who had been informed in advance, were already waiting outside the observation room. Ling Xiao’s fists were clenched tightly against the glass window, trembling constantly, as if he were using all his strength to restrain himself.

Yao Tai had anticipated such a scene, but now she had no time to consider the feelings of others.

The medical staff came forward to report Lan Sheng’s condition. “His body is recovering at a rapid pace, but his mental state is very concerning. He’s showing signs of overexertion. If this continues, it’s only a matter of time before he breaks free from the restraints.”

Yao Tai somberly approached the window. In the center of the room was a lone chair, to which Lan Sheng was tied. Both his hands and feet were shackled. He was struggling fiercely, and by reading his lips, it seemed he was screaming, but the sound was cruelly blocked by the walls. His eyes were fixed on a spot on the wall, as if something there was deeply loathsome that he wanted to pierce through.

Ling Xiao closed his eyes, pressing his forehead weakly against the cold glass, unable to bear the sight. Behind him, two of his classmates’ eyes began to redden unwittingly. This was their first lesson in their coming-of-age ceremony, and it was already brutally overwhelming.

Lan Sheng’s strength grew, causing even the chair bolted to the floor to tremble. His wrists rubbed fiercely against the handcuffs, quickly becoming stained with blood.

“Give him a sedative,” Yao Tai ordered.

Soon, a nurse entered with a syringe, quite long and thick, and injected a clear liquid into Lan Sheng from behind his neck. Only then did the person inside gradually calm down, slowly bowing his head, motionless.

“Do you really want to stay here?” Yao Tai asked Ling Xiao, who had turned into a statue.

Ling Xiao seemed not to hear and remained motionless.

Yao Tai sighed softly and called the two classmates over.

“Who in your class can handle Ling Xiao?”

The two looked at each other. “Probably only Ying Feng…”

“Call him over. Watch him, don’t let him cause trouble or get close to the person inside. It’d be best if you can take him away,” Yao Tai said with a rare look of exhaustion. “There are many others who’ve completed the coming-of-age ceremony these days. We have too many to care for and can’t spare hands for unrelated individuals.”

One of them hesitated. “But Ying Feng probably won’t care about others.”

“Just tell him I said so.” Yao Tai’s tone was firm, brooking no refusal.

Ying Feng did come. When he arrived, Ling Xiao was torturing himself by standing outside the ICU. The person inside was motionless, and so was the person outside, as if they were mirroring each other.

“Ying Feng,” the classmate said nervously as he saw him approach, “We’ve been trying to persuade him for ages, but he refuses to leave.”

Without a word, Ying Feng grabbed Ling Xiao by the collar and started walking him downstairs. Surprisingly, Ling Xiao didn’t resist and seemed lost in thoughts as he was dragged down.

“No.” Ling Xiao seemed to snap back to his senses near the entrance. “I don’t want to go.”

Ying Feng stopped and stared at him.

“I want to stay.” Ling Xiao, whose eyes always shone with confidence, was now filled with bewilderment and confusion. “They are my friends. I can’t just leave them here.”

After a brief pause, Ying Feng pulled him in the opposite direction until they reached a bench in the hallway.

“Can you at least sit and wait here?”

Ling Xiao didn’t struggle much and was pressed down by Ying Feng. Then, Ying Feng himself sat next to Ling Xiao. They both sat silently side by side without speaking.

As night fell, the surroundings became eerily quiet. The deafening silence became unbearable.

“Ying Feng.” Ling Xiao’s voice sounded like a stone dropped in a quiet pond, breaking the silence. Ying Feng slightly moved, signaling he heard.

Ling Xiao called his name but seemed unprepared for what to say next. After a pause, he said, “You don’t have to stay here.”

He spoke these words with such insincerity. The other two classmates had already left, and he had never felt so alone and in need of someone by his side before.

Ying Feng glanced at him from the corner of his eye. Although he usually paid little attention to others, this version of Ling Xiao was something he hadn’t seen in ten years.

The Ling Xiao he remembered was always aggressive, always looking for reasons to provoke him, and never showed his vulnerabilities. But today’s Ling Xiao radiated vulnerability that seemed so out of character for him.

“I promised Dr. Yao,” implying, ‘My staying here has nothing to do with you’.

Ling Xiao didn’t know why Dr. Yao wanted Ying Feng to stay, but upon hearing this answer, he truly breathed a sigh of relief.

The atmosphere became quiet again. Ying Feng subconsciously took out a peach pit from his pocket, slowly rubbing its rough surface. This had evidently become a habit. Whenever he did this, he felt at peace.

Ling Xiao noticed his movement and looked at him curiously. Once he saw, he couldn’t take his eyes off it. “What’s that in your hand?”

Ying Feng didn’t answer, but Ling Xiao became more interested in the item. “Can I have a look?”

Ying Feng hesitated for a moment but handed it over. As Ling Xiao took it, a flash of blue light appeared for a fleeting moment.

“Did you see that?”

“What?”

“There was light inside.”

“I’ve had it for nearly ten years, and I’ve never seen any light.”

Did I see it wrong? Ling Xiao examined the peach pit closely, and from any angle, it just seemed like an ordinary peach pit.

“What did you say earlier? You’ve had it for almost ten years, which means you’ve had it since shortly after you woke up?”

Ying Feng simply replied, “Mm.”

“Why do you carry it with you?”

Ying Feng hesitated for a long time before answering. “I found it in my energy chamber.”

Ying Feng had never told anyone about this secret, including the base staff. It seemed that tonight’s atmosphere was even making secrets want to be shared.

“You mean, it’s been with you since you woke up? How’s that possible? Souls reincarnate, leaving no memories, so how can they leave objects?”

“I want to know why even more than you do.”

Ling Xiao thought for a while but couldn’t come up with a logical explanation. He had visited the base and knew the staff there wouldn’t carelessly drop a leftover peach pit into an energy chamber.

Could past lives truly leave traces in this way?

“So, you’re desperately trying to find your lover from a past life because of this?”

Ying Feng didn’t deny it. “The first time I saw it, I felt it belonged to someone else. I’ve always felt there’s a connection between them. If I can find them, this mystery will be solved.”

Who was the other person? Ying Feng didn’t specify, but Ling Xiao understood. Suddenly, the peach pit in his hand felt hot, and he quickly returned it, his heart in turmoil.

“The universe is so vast; how do you plan to search?”

Ying Feng silently took the pit back. “I have a feeling they’re close by—very close to me.”

“And what if you never find them?”

“I’ll keep searching.”

……

Even in the longest nights, dawn would always greet them. When Ping Zong came out of his room, he saw the two usually conflicting individuals sitting together on the bench outside the door, with Ling Xiao’s head resting on Ying Feng’s shoulder, both of them deeply asleep.

Ying Feng, ever alert, was awakened by Ping Zong’s gaze. This was the first time he saw Ping Zong after the coming-of-age ceremony. There was a moment of discomfort in Ying Feng’s eyes as they met.

His slight movement woke Ling Xiao, who rubbed his eyes and jumped up anxiously upon recognizing the person in front of him.

“How did it go?” he asked eagerly. Ping Zong looked like he hadn’t slept all night, with dark circles under his eyes.

“I still couldn’t do it,” Ping Zong said frustratedly. “He resisted fiercely. As soon as I got close, he started screaming. The sound was piercing. I could sense how painful it was for him when I invaded his mental realm. I couldn’t bear it.”

Ling Xiao didn’t know how to respond, so he just comfortingly placed his hand on Ping Zong’s shoulder.

Just then, a short and long alarm rang from the medical building. The three of them looked around in surprise.

Medical staff from the first floor ran out of their offices, all looking anxious. This included Dr. Yao.

“Dr. Yao!” Ling Xiao called out to her, “What happened?”

Dr. Yao turned off her communicator, looking grim. “Lan Sheng is missing, and his personal items are gone.”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 16

Ling Xiao swiftly stood up, his body gradually disappearing in front of Zhen He. When he had completely disconnected, only then did Zhen He snorted dismissively.

“He sure ran fast.”

“Don’t you think you were a bit too blunt? What if you frightened the kid?” A figure emerged from the shadows. Zhen He didn’t seem to mind this kind of unannounced visit, nor did he care about his conversation being overheard.

“Compared to you, I’m also just a kid,” Zhen He replied, still lying down without any intention to get up and greet the newcomer.

“How can you say that in front of one who has just awakened in a fledgling state? Aren’t you embarrassed?” Xing Lou said with a laugh.

“You said I was too direct, so which word I spoke was untrue?” Zhen He retorted.

Xing Lou pondered. “One sentence wasn’t true.”

“Which one?”

Xing Lou mimicked his tone. “You’ll never know the real reason for this fight because it’s been completely erased by our ancestors.”

“Oh?” Zhen He grew curious. “You know the truth?”

Xing Lou smiled slightly. “Trust me, you wouldn’t want to know.”

“You’re belittling an intelligence officer’s curiosity.”

“When Yue Ying awakens one day, perhaps he might be interested in telling you himself.”

The waveform of Yue Ying flickered twice on the wall, seemingly in agreement.

“Alright.” Zhen He shrugged. “So, what’s the purpose of your visit this early? Don’t tell me, you came to collect rent.”

“You’re probably the richest fledgling in Tianxiu now. Why would you worry about a little rent?” Xing Lou teased. “Don’t forget, I have surveillance rights over the entire network. I saw a certain friend from your contact list appear at your location, so I got curious.”

“You’re talking about Ling Xiao? You know him?”

“On my first day at school, he took me to the dormitory.”

“It seems you two are quite fated…” Zhen He’s voice suddenly deepened. “Someone’s coming.”

Xing Lou quickly faded back into the shadows, and the walls reverted to their original appearance. Zhen He stood up from his recliner, put on a mask, and courteously greeted the new guest.

“Good morning. How can I assist you?”

Zhu Yue glanced around the empty shop, asking the question everyone would ask first.

“What do you sell here?”

“As you see, I sell everything.”

“Is there something that can make someone who doesn’t like you like you?”

“Hahahaha,” Zhen He laughed so hard he nearly cried.

Zhu Yue frowned. “Is it that funny?”

“I apologize.” Zhen He struggled to contain his laughter. “That’s the second funniest thing I’ve heard this early in the morning.”

“I don’t find it amusing at all. If you can’t produce it, it means your shop’s name is deceptive.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Zhen He graciously pointed to the sign outside. “Since you’ve stumped me, you can take down that sign.”

“Why would I want your sign? Especially when it’s virtual,” Zhu Yue said, clearly unimpressed.

“Well,” Zhen He considered, “Do you have a second wish? I can give you a 50% discount.”

“And if you still can’t deliver?”

“Why not say it and see?”

The second wish… What Zhu Yue wanted first was Ying Feng, second was Ying Feng, and third was Ying Feng. If he had to choose something else…

“I want to know something: why does blood flow on its own?”

“Oh?”

“Although it sounds unbelievable, I witnessed it. Blood that had clearly spilled on the ground, with no gravity or wind acting on it, still flowed. Why is that?”

“Only one person’s blood?”

“No,” Zhu Yue hesitated. “Others too.”

Zhen He paused briefly. “Your question is very timely. Had you asked earlier, I wouldn’t have an answer. But as it stands, you’re quite lucky.”

Zhu Yue took a step forward, anxiety evident. “You know the answer?”

“I just found out recently.”

“What is it?”

“This information is costly, even at half price. Are you sure you want to buy it?”

Without hesitation, Zhu Yue handed over his card. “Charge whatever you want. If it’s not enough, I can give you an IOU and pay in installments.”

Zhen He accepted it without ceremony. “You seem quite desperate for this answer. Alright, I’ll tell you. The blood of the Tianxiu contains a type of magnetism. The blood of the Qizhu attracts that of their Qizi.”

“Is that the case for everyone?” Zhu Yue urgently inquired.

“No, there are two prerequisites: First, at least one party must be in their immature form; second, it only happens under the sunlight.”

“In other words, if you observe this phenomenon, it signifies that in a previous life, one was the other’s Qizi. It could be from a previous life or this current one. This is the only explanation.”

Zhu Yue’s eyes widened in shock. “How is that possible?”

“As a businessman, I have professional ethics. After accepting your money, I wouldn’t deceive you.”

Zhen He looked at the visibly shocked youngster in front of him with interest, murmuring to himself, “How can this be; it’s impossible. They must not find out. Absolutely not.”

Zhu Yue gradually vanished, seemingly having logged out, and Xing Lou replaced him in the original spot.

“Who was that person just now?” Yue Ying asked.

“He’s a junior from our academy,” Zhen He, being an ordinary person with an astonishing amount of information, replied. “Zhu Yue, currently in the 10^th grade and a classmate of Ling Xiao. Are you interested in him?”

“There are many suspicious things about him.” Yue Ying’s voice wavered slightly with excitement. “How have I never noticed him before?”

“What do you mean by ‘suspicious’?” Xing Lou asked.

“I suspect he is… No, I need more evidence first!”

……

After logging off the network, Ling Xiao hurried straight to the medical building. The two classmates he met the previous day were already there, and they seemed quite flustered when they saw Ling Xiao arrive.

“Did you inform Ling Xiao?”

“How could I dare?” The two whispered amongst themselves, then simultaneously went silent as Ling Xiao approached.

Seeing their evasive eyes, Ling Xiao’s last hope vanished, a gloom spreading across his face.

“Where are they?” His voice was chilling.

The two classmates hesitated, finally pointing nervously at the emergency room.

Ling Xiao’s steps grew heavier as he approached the emergency room. But he had underestimated his emotional tolerance. When he saw Lan Sheng covered in blood and barely alive, the rage that erupted nearly shattered the glass of the emergency room.

The two classmates followed closely, afraid of his impulsive actions. However, the still and pale-faced Ling Xiao frightened them even more.

“We don’t know what happened…” One said, nudging the other.

“Oh,” the other replied nervously, “When we arrived, we saw them like this, being wheeled out from the room… from yesterday…”

Ling Xiao just stared at the person behind the glass, saying nothing.

“How is your classmate…?” A gentle voice inquired.

Upon seeing the newcomer, the two classmates were stunned. “Doctor, why are you here?”

The single word “Doctor” snapped Ling Xiao out of his trance. Before anyone could react, Zhi Shang was punched squarely in the face. The unexpected blow knocked his glasses askew.

“Ling Xiao, have you gone mad?” The two classmates immediately intervened. “He’s Dr. Zhi Shang! Dr. Yao’s Qizi!”

Ling Xiao glared at the man in front of him, his eyes filled with unabashed hatred.

“Why did you lie?”

“Ling Xiao, what are you talking about?”

“Yes, Ling Xiao, are you overwrought?” Another classmate chimed in.

Zhi Shang looked first shocked, then bewildered, and finally hung his head in remorse.

“I’m sorry.”

The two classmates were dumbfounded by his apology, speechless.

“Tell me the truth. During the coming-of-age ceremony, did you harm Dr. Yao?”

After a long pause, Zhi Shang admitted, “Yes.”

“What?” The two classmates were shocked, “What’s going on? Doctor, didn’t you say you willingly offered your Heart’s Blood for Dr. Yao?”

“You’re right, wanting to willingly become A’Yao’s Qizi was my initial thought, and this thought has not changed.” Ling Xiao’s interrogation brought Zhi Shang back to painful memories. “But on the day of the coming-of-age ceremony, the moment A’Yao wanted to take my heart’s blood, I suddenly felt fear, dread, and unease. The feeling was so intense that it was uncontrollable. I regretted it. I didn’t want to just become someone else’s Qizi, so I fought back.”

The students were shocked. They could hardly imagine that behind the gentle words of Dr. Zhi Shang, who spoke of his love affair with Dr. Yao, hid such a brutal truth.

“Our fight was fierce at the time. We were like sworn enemies, neither willing to give in. In the end, I didn’t win, and it wasn’t because I held back due to love; I was simply no match for her.”

“I lost, and A’Yao was severely injured because of me. Thinking back on that day, neither of us showed any mercy. Although I later calmly accepted my role as her Qizi and still love A’Yao, it cannot erase the fact that on that day, we were like two lunatics trying to kill each other.”

Zhi Shang took off his glasses, looking up with sadness in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I spoke that way before, hoping you could face the coming-of-age ceremony with ease, but I didn’t think…”

“It’s not his fault,” a cold female voice interjected. “I commanded him to say that. He had no right to refuse.”

“A’Yao…” Zhi Shang called out in a tone of reproach.

All eyes turned to Yao Tai, who had just emerged from the emergency room. She took off her lab coat and threw it aside. A nurse quickly caught it, and the two walked briskly in the opposite direction of the hallway.

“Is the other one awake?”

“He just woke up,” the nurse immediately reported.

“How is he?”

“He’s fine now. His physical condition is excellent, and he’s recovering quickly.”

“Transfer the one inside to the ICU.”

The nurse hesitated. “You mean…”

Yao Tai’s hand paused on the door handle. “Handcuff him.”

The door to Ping Zong’s room was pushed open, and a group of people rushed in. The man on the bed, hearing the commotion, struggled to open his eyes slightly. Leading the group was Yao Tai, followed by uniformed nurses. Ling Xiao, with a worried look, was close behind, followed by two students with odd expressions.

Ping Zong’s gaze scanned the crowd repeatedly, even spotting Dr. Zhi Shang, who shouldn’t be there. Yet, he couldn’t find his beloved.

“Ling Xiao, where is Lan Sheng?” he asked anxiously.

“He’s resting in another room,” Ling Xiao lied. “Are you okay?”

Ping Zong nodded, then shook his head. “I’m just worried about Lan Sheng. I don’t know what happened. Everything was fine, then suddenly something felt wrong. I can’t remember much after that, just fragments of us fighting… Is Lan Sheng really okay?”

“He’s fine. Don’t worry,” Ling Xiao’s gaze focused on Ping Zong’s face.

Ping Zong sighed in relief. “That’s good. I must’ve been mad to attack him. If something had happened to him, I’d never forgive myself.”

Knowing Lan Sheng was safe, Ping Zong relaxed and became talkative. “With his proud personality, if I hurt him, he must be really angry. Maybe he’s mad and doesn’t want to see me now?”

Ping Zong chuckled, thinking of his beloved, and his eyes softened. “But now that the coming-of-age ceremony is over, we can be together…”

“Ping Zong,” Ling Xiao interrupted him impatiently.

“What’s wrong?” Ping Zong looked at Ling Xiao, surprised.

“Ping Zong,” Ling Xiao struggled to find the right words, each one painful to say. “You won.”

Ping Zong’s smile froze. “What did you say?”

“You won,” Ling Xiao said with a mix of emotions, looking into Ping Zong’s deep black eyes. “You are now Lan Sheng’s Qizhu.”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 15

Ling Xiao strode across the campus, wiping away the tears flowing from his eyes as he walked. However, the tears flowed incessantly, like a breached dam.

If it weren’t for Ping Zong and Lan Sheng, if it weren’t for the impending parting, if it weren’t for the alcohol…

Ling Xiao ran back to his dorm, slammed the door shut, and leaned against it. It took a while for his tears to finally stop.

How ridiculous!

To make matters worse, Ying Feng saw the whole thing. How many times did he have to embarrass himself in front of him?

Ling Xiao sniffled, threw himself onto the bed, lying in various positions, but couldn’t sleep.

He got up and paced around the room, restless.

Forget it. Maybe a movie would help.

Ling Xiao accessed an online movie library. Most of the films required payment. The free ones were either overwatched classics or odd indie films.

Given Ling Xiao’s current financial state, he had to pick from the free section. With limited choices, he reluctantly selected a foreign action film, subtitled, seemingly from another planet.

Though it was free, the film was in 3D. Ling Xiao activated the ceiling projector. The entire room transformed, making the actors seem lifelike. The viewer could watch from any angle, even passing through the actors.

The film began in a forest. Its realism was impeccable, from morning mist to the chirping of birds, dappled sunlight, and the scent of trees and earth, immersing the viewer entirely.

Initially, Ling Xiao had intended to watch this film as a distraction. However, the content captivated him. It was a fresh experience to see beings that looked like him grow from youth to adulthood.

The story followed an organization that trained orphans to become assassins. They grew up together, forging deep bonds, including romantic ones.

The male and female leads were childhood sweethearts. Their love grew stronger as they matured, evident even when they sparred.

One day, their master gathered everyone. As he looked at the disciples he had personally raised over the years, each outstanding and exceptionally skilled, genuine appreciation shone in the master’s eyes.

“Through past assessments, you all have excelled. I’m proud of my years of nurturing. Today marks the end of your training and your final test. It’s a life-or-death challenge. Only those who pass can leave alive.”

Upon hearing their lifelong master’s words, everyone was on high alert.

“For this test, partner up in pairs to complete the task.”

Close friends quickly paired up. The male and female leads did the same, linking their pinkies secretly.

The master’s sharp eyes scanned the pairs.

“You’re all skilled, but remember, you’re assassins. Emotions are your greatest weakness. This final test requires you to forsake your feelings. There’s only one path: kill your partner and survive—or die.”

“If anyone hesitates,” the master drew a knife, “I’ll do it for them.”

In a moment of desperation, Ling Xiao lunged forward, trying to stop the female lead from stabbing her beloved with a sword from above. But it was all an illusion. The blade still pierced the man she loved, splattering her face with blood. Ling Xiao, witnessing this up close, instinctively wiped his face.

After killing her lover, the female lead became a heartless killing machine, able to take a life without hesitation.

After she had finally killed all of the enemies of the mastermind behind the scenes, the last person she killed was herself. In her dying hallucination, the shadow of the male lead appeared, and the film returned to that forest. There was a hazy mist, mottled sunlight, the chirping of birds, and the fragrant scent of soil wafting towards her…

Ling Xiao’s already low mood worsened. A heavy, almost tangible feeling of oppression lingered in his chest, making it difficult to breathe. He experienced the worst night of his life, tossing and turning, with sleep eluding him.

When dawn finally broke, he desperately wanted to talk to someone. But, to his dismay, he realized that aside from Lan Sheng and Ping Zong, he didn’t have anyone else to confide in.

After much thought, he reconnected to the Tianyuan Network. It was still early, and no one was in Zhen He’s shop. The call bell, indicating interdimensional connectivity, read: [No one in the shop. Please ring the bell.] Ling Xiao persistently pestered the other end.

“Do you know what time it is?” Zhen He’s figure gradually appeared, his face showing clear irritation from being awakened.

“I’m feeling down. Talk to me,” Ling Xiao pleaded shamelessly.

Zhen He yawned, lounging on his personal chair. “Seeing how pitiful you look, I’ll begrudgingly listen. Speak. I’ll try not to fall asleep.”

Ling Xiao, as if urgently needing to share the source of his distress to lessen his burden, recounted the movie he had watched last night to Zhen He. When narrating the most impactful scenes, he had to pause many times, struggling to convey the sequence of events.

“That’s it?” Zhen He listened patiently, seemingly less affected than Ling Xiao.

“That’s the story,” Ling Xiao finished, yet he didn’t feel the anticipated relief.

“How do you feel now?” Zhen He asked about his current state.

“Not great,” Ling Xiao admitted.

“Your emotional upheaval seems more intense than what a movie might trigger,” Zhen He pointed out astutely. “Did you resonate deeply with something while watching?”

Dejectedly, Ling Xiao sat down. “My two best friends had their coming-of-age ceremony last night.”

Zhen He remained expressionless. “Oh?”

“While watching the movie, I kept thinking about the two of them. Especially during the duel between the male and female leads. Their images kept replacing the characters, disturbing me.”

“Really?”

“Even though I know it’s just my imagination, such a thing would never happen between them. They’re deeply in love, even willing to offer their ‘heart’s blood’…”

Zhen He suddenly burst into exaggerated laughter, tears forming in his eyes. “Offering their heart’s blood? Who taught you that?”

“Dr. Yao’s Qizi said he did the same,” Ling Xiao answered, confused. “What’s so funny about that?”

“Alright.” Zhen He’s laughter subsided. “I heard the academy is advocating a gentler teaching method this year due to the high death rate last year. I just didn’t expect them to say it like that.”

Thinking about it, he laughed again, leaving Ling Xiao bewildered.

“What the hell are you laughing at?”

Without warning, Zhen He’s smile abruptly vanished, his gaze sharp as a torch, emitting an overwhelming murderous intent from head to toe. Originally lounging in his chair, Ling Xiao, feeling the intense pressure, immediately jumped up. Goosebumps rose on his skin, his mind tensed up, and every cell in his body was activated, instinctively taking a defensive stance.

“See that?” The intense aura vanished instantly, and Zhen He lounged lazily in his special recliner, as if the one who had just intimidated Ling Xiao wasn’t him at all.

Ling Xiao slowly lowered his arms, cautiously sitting on the edge of his chair, his gaze fixed on Zhen He.

“When you feel threatened, your first response is self-defense. Do you know what this is called?”

Ling Xiao shook his head.

“It’s called instinct. It’s etched in our genes, and no one can overcome it. Do you know that even the urge to find a partner after awakening is one of the primal instincts of our kind?”

“Why are you still single then?”

“Yes, even I can’t resist my instincts. After holding out for so long, I’m beginning to feel drained,” Zhen He admitted, a rare display of vulnerability.

“What does this have to do with what I said earlier?”

Zhen He smirked. “Aren’t you always curious about me? Why not indulge your curiosity a bit?”

“You’re not charging today?”

“I’ll give you a huge discount today; it’s free. Ask whatever you want.”

After pondering for a moment, Ling Xiao said, “Tell me about the person you like.”

Zhen He habitually fidgeted with the ring on his finger. “The person I like… has someone she loves, and coincidentally, the person she loves, loves them back. This is unfortunate for me, but from her perspective, perhaps nothing could be more fortunate.”

“If you love them too, why didn’t you try to pursue her?”

“Have you never heard the saying? True love is granting the one you wish to imprison the most, the utmost freedom.”

Ling Xiao repeated the words in his mind, seemingly touched.

“It’s a pity that such a simple truth is something some people fail to understand, even after living for over four hundred years.”

“What happened next?” Ling Xiao asked.

“The two of them were deeply in love, just like your buddies, wholeheartedly looking forward to their awakening period. But, on the day of their coming-of-age ceremony, that turned out to be the end of her life in this incarnation.”

Ling Xiao almost thought he’d heard wrong. “What?”

“She died,” Zhen He said emotionlessly, “They didn’t follow the school’s regulations and united in secret. By the time people discovered her the next day, her soul had already reincarnated. She was stabbed through the heart with a dagger by the one she loved.”

Ling Xiao was in disbelief. “How… How could this happen?”

“It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Dying in the coming-of-age ceremony. It’s indeed a rare occurrence, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. And it unfortunately befell her. Perhaps I should feel relieved. At least she completed the ceremony before her death. At least she could reincarnate without her spirit dissipating.”

“How is this possible?” Ling Xiao couldn’t understand. “Didn’t they love each other?”

“Even the deepest mutual affection can’t overcome primal instincts. Like when I exude murderous intent, you become defensive. The demand for one’s Heart’s Blood is a threat millions of times more severe than mere murderous intent. No one would willingly submit. Even if they love each other, even if they are willing to sacrifice everything for each other, they can’t defeat the instinct ingrained in our genes.”

“I don’t know what sweet words the school has used to deceive young naive souls like you, talking about voluntarily offering up Heart’s Blood, but in the end, it’s all a joke. Instincts are invincible. No matter how nicely they put it, they can’t change the brutal fact that the coming-of-age ceremony is about making loved ones fight to the death.”

“The spouse system of Tianxiu is the most brutal in the entire universe, and their coming-of-age ceremony is the cruelest and most inhumane battle among the stars. To establish a spousal relationship, the Tianxiu not only have to engage in motiveless combat, but they also have to fight against their most intimate person. You’ll never know the real reason for this fight because it’s been completely erased by our ancestors. The current adults just feed naive youths the ‘survival of the fittest’ bullshit.”

“In this world, every battle has a reason, whether it’s for resources, to defend territory, or simply out of spite. But no matter what, these people have motives. No one fights for no reason, except us.”

“Have you ever seen two Tianxiu, having lost their sanity, fight each other to the death? In the galaxy, we, known as battle machines, can fight mechs with bare hands and can survive in outer space without any aid. If there’s anything more powerful than a Tianxiu in a one-on-one battle, it’s an out-of-control Tianxiu. Every Tianxiu will lose control once in their life, during the so-called coming-of-age ceremony, in a bid to become the ‘Qizhu’ and conquer the other by any means.”

Zhen He’s words felt like a splash of icy water. By the end, Ling Xiao’s fingers felt icy cold, almost numb.

“What about Lan Sheng and Ping Zong…”

“Your two little friends?” Zhen He’s face was impassive. “Don’t worry. After all, dying in the coming-of-age ceremony isn’t something that just happens casually. Especially since the school has placed a lot more emphasis on safety after that incident.”

“Instead of worrying about their physical health, you should think about how to explain to them the huge lie of voluntarily offering up the Heart’s Blood when they awaken. The crazy notion of wanting to kill the one they love—I hope it doesn’t cast a shadow on their mutual affection.”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 14

Ying Feng closed the dormitory door firmly, also shutting out the lingering resentment he felt towards Ling Xiao.

He leaned against the door, taking a long time to calm his racing heart.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to settle scores with Ling Xiao. The humiliation of being beaten defenselessly in front of everyone was still fresh in his mind. But the moment Ling Xiao approached him earlier, the suppressed palpitations inside him stirred once again.

He looked down at his hands, sensing a residual tingling sensation in his blood. So, this was what it felt like to be on the verge of awakening. He hadn’t given it much thought when he learned about it in the infirmary earlier, but now it seemed unbelievable.

This was a sign of maturity among the Tianxiu people and a pivotal moment in one’s life. Facing such a bodily change for the first time, even Ying Feng couldn’t remain entirely composed.

At this moment, Ying Feng had forgotten what Yao Tai had once told him: that people nearing their awakening might find medicines ineffective. He assumed it was just hormone imbalances pre-awakening and hadn’t considered any other possibilities.

—”Don’t you feel lonely entering the pre-awakening period, yearning to share life with someone else?”

Yao Tai’s words echoed in his ears. Hesitating, Ying Feng took out a peach pit-like object from his pocket. After the day’s unexpected onslaught, it was fortunate that it wasn’t damaged.

He was here, in this academy, still in an immature state… This was all the information Ying Feng had.

But he rubbed the surface of the peach pit, wondering, ‘Who are you, really?’

A few meters away in another dormitory, Ling Xiao jolted awake from a profound dream. He was panting, his forehead drenched in sweat.

In the dream, he was entangled with another person. What started as a fight soon changed in nature. Being still immature, Ling Xiao didn’t understand the implications of the dream’s turn.

Jolted awake by the unfamiliar sensations, it took him a moment to realize he’d been dreaming.

Lying still in bed, only his chest heaving rapidly, Ling Xiao judged by the pitch darkness that it was still deep into the night. Closing his eyes, fragments of the dream flashed by—why had he dreamt such a thing?

After a while, Ling Xiao finally relaxed. Just as he tried to turn and go back to sleep, he realized he couldn’t move. Panic surged as he realized that he was paralyzed.

With each individual having their own room, Ling Xiao couldn’t even call for help in his state.

Forced to lie motionless, cold sweat dripped down his forehead, gradually cooling and chilling him. The bedsheet beneath him grew damp with his sweat, and the discomfort was palpable.

Thoughts raced through his mind, including the grim idea that he might be dying. However, the dream from earlier continued to dominate his thoughts.

After what felt like an eternity, Ling Xiao drifted back into sleep and didn’t wake up until the next morning.

Ling Xiao blinked, taking in his surroundings, then sprang up from his bed with agility.

He could move his hands and feet, and he looked at his limbs in puzzlement. Everything seemed normal, and he felt no discomfort. The bed, which was slightly damp before, had been dried by his body temperature. The previous night’s ordeal felt like a mere nightmare.

Having regained his composure, Ling Xiao quickly put the unsettling events of the previous night behind him. He grabbed two packets of food and headed out, bumping into Lan Sheng and Ping Zong, who were on their way to the cafeteria.

Despite being broke, Ling Xiao was always up for some fun. He went to the cafeteria and began eating his strawberry-flavored energy bread.

Lan Sheng couldn’t stand it any longer. “Are you on a diet? Always eating that?”

Ling Xiao, with his mouth full, mumbled, “I’m saving money.”

“For what?”

“Not telling.”

Lan Sheng lost interest. “A normal person would be full after one of those. You’re eating two? Don’t you worry about overeating?”

Ling Xiao was puzzled too. “I don’t know why, but I was so hungry when I woke up. I could even eat another one.”

Ping Zong handed him a croissant, asking with concern, “Ling Xiao, are you starting to develop?”

Ling Xiao paused, bread in his mouth. “Could it be?”

“Hah, hard to say.” Lan Sheng laughed gloatingly. “Given his level of obliviousness, he might not even realize if he’s awakened.”

“Bullshit.” Ling Xiao kicked him from below.

“It’s said that students within the academy have started awakening,” Ping Zong reminded him seriously.

“So soon?” Ling Xiao quickly finished the bread in his mouth. “Who told you that?”

“Word from the infirmary,” Lan Sheng continued. “This time, the majority affected are the eleventh graders. Didn’t Dr. Yao mention? The awakening period can spread widely.”

Most of them started their awakening period in the tenth grade. Those who progressed to the eleventh grade were either late bloomers or students who hadn’t found suitable partners. They only constituted a quarter of the tenth graders, and the number in the twelfth grade was even less.

“We don’t interact much with eleventh graders. It won’t affect us, right?” Ling Xiao asked naively.

Lan Sheng gave him a knock on the head. “Are you an idiot? There are so few in the eleventh grade. If the older students don’t have partners, of course, they’d look in the tenth grade, which is about to awaken. With interactions, it’s bound to spread. Someone like you, a single guy, is their prime target.”

Recalling the two sketchy seniors from the other day, Ling Xiao expressed disdain. “I don’t want that. I think Bikong is pretty good, so I plan to stay a couple more years.”

“A couple of years? Even if you stayed another ten, it’d be fine. I wish you to soon become the second ‘Zhen He’ of Bikong.”

“Fuck your crow’s mouth*!”

*Term used to describe someone’s mouth that’s particularly smelly, but now often used to describe a person with a particularly disdainful mouth that always says bad things. 

Unfortunately, Lan Sheng’s prediction was accurate. The second wave of awakenings started among the tenth graders who had close contact with senior students, quickly engulfing the whole campus. Lan Sheng and Ping Zong were among the first batch.

Ling Xiao had once selfishly hoped this day would come later. Yet, when it did, he could only send his blessings to his two best friends.

“When we first met ten years ago, who would’ve thought I’d be sending both of you to your wedding chamber?” Ling Xiao mused. “Of three companions, two find happiness together, leaving one alone.”

Friends who accompanied them felt uneasy seeing such a sentimental Ling Xiao. They jostled and pushed the couple into their wedding chamber—a special double room set up by the school in the infirmary building. They hadn’t expected thorough security checks where even Ping Zong and Lan Sheng’s daggers were confiscated.

“By six in the evening, all unrelated persons must leave,” the medical staff reminded. “Everything brought should be taken away. We will inspect.”

“If you didn’t know better, you’d think this is a security check before interstellar travel.”

A friend teased, “I’ve never seen someone so tactless. It’s a wedding chamber, not a sendoff. Hanging out with Lan Sheng, you’ve developed a crow’s mouth as well.”

This was their first time entering the “bridal chamber”, so they did it with glee.

“Damn, this bridal chamber is quite bare,” Ling Xiao commented as soon as he entered. There was nothing in the room but the most basic furniture, and everything was white, like a double ward in a hospital.

The others all laughed at him. “Aren’t you a bit too innocent? Isn’t it enough to have just a bed for the bridal chamber? What more do you want?”

Ling Xiao was unconvinced and muttered under his breath, “At least have bouquets of flowers or something.”

He walked around the room and finally focused on the wall.

“Do you guys find this room strange?” he asked.

“What’s so strange about it?”

“This wall,” Ling Xiao punched it hard, only raising a bit of dust, “is made of the same material as the training room. Why would they use such a sturdy material for just a bedroom?”

“Why are you concerned about that? Come drink with us.” The ‘alcohol’ they referred to was actually a low-alcohol content beverage suitable for youngsters.

Ling Xiao’s suspicion was ignored. He wanted to drag a chair over to sit but found that even the chairs in the room were fixed to the ground.

“What’s going on?” Ling Xiao pushed the chair, table, bed… without exception. The only time he’d seen furniture bolted to the ground like this was in intensive care units.

“Ling Xiao, you’re acting very strange today,” one of his classmates commented.

“Of course, his two best friends are having their coming-of-age ceremony. He might be even more nervous than they are,” another chimed in.

Ling Xiao chuckled awkwardly.

“Just come over here. We can sit on the floor. Even if you move the chair, it won’t be enough for everyone.”

Hoping he was overthinking things, Ling Xiao rubbed his nose and joined them.

Drinking too much of the low-alcohol beverage could still get one drunk. Ling Xiao, slightly tipsy, quickly forgot his previous concerns. They reminisced about the silly things they had done over the years, teasing and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere.

They partied for over two hours. Before leaving, Ling Xiao hugged them tightly, crying and laughing as if they would be parting forever after this night.

In the end, a few classmates had to use all their strength to pull Ling Xiao, who clung onto his friends like a bear, away. After walking a few hundred meters outside and being hit by the cold wind, Ling Xiao’s emotions finally calmed down.

“Are you okay?” A classmate patted him on the back.

Ling Xiao waved his hand. “I’m fine, just drank too much. I’m a bit dizzy.”

“Go back to your dormitory and rest.”

“It’s still early.” Ling Xiao looked at the sky. “I want to take a walk by myself.”

Everyone else wisely left him alone. Ling Xiao wandered around the campus and ended up on the rooftop of the teaching building.

Ling Xiao’s friendship with Lan Sheng began on this rooftop. They were freshmen that year and liked to gather on the rooftop at noon, making jokes and having fun. Those were beautiful memories.

Ling Xiao climbed up to his favorite spot on the rooftop. The setting sun cast its glow on him but didn’t provide any warmth. The occasional breeze kept him awake. Lost in a daze, he heard the door squeak, and then footsteps. Someone was on the roof.

“Why are you following me?” As soon as the person spoke, Ling Xiao’s eyes widened, and his foggy mind cleared instantly.

Why was Ying Feng on the rooftop? And who was he talking to?

When the second person spoke, Ling Xiao’s expression darkened. Why did he always run into these two together?

He heard Zhu Yue stammering, “Ying Feng… I…”

Ying Feng sounded impatient. “What do you want to say?”

“Actually… I had my first awakening reaction yesterday. Dr. Yao said it was a pseudo-awakening, and I will fully awaken in ten days.”

A normal person would have offered congratulations, but Ying Feng remained cold. “So what?”

“So,” Zhu Yue mustered up the most courage he had ever had, “I am willing to give you my heart’s blood. Will you be with me?”

Ling Xiao clutched his chest tightly, wondering where this sudden pain came from.

His emotions were too volatile today. It must be because of Lan Sheng and Ping Zong, and that damn drink.

“I refuse.” Ying Feng’s voice was so cold that one had to wonder what could possibly move him. “I won’t be with you. Get that idea out of your head.”

His refusal was so direct that even Ling Xiao felt embarrassed for Zhu Yue.

Zhu Yue had probably expected this response but hearing it directly from Ying Feng was still a blow.

“Ever since the last time you saved me from the seniors, I’ve only had eyes for you. I know you’re not close to anyone, but you helped me. Does this mean that in your eyes I’m not as insignificant as others, even if it’s just a tiny bit?”

“I helped you simply because we’re classmates. I don’t regret helping you, and I would do it again. But it’s just because we’re classmates; don’t overthink it.”

“I don’t believe you,” Zhu Yue said eagerly. “If it had been someone else then, if it had been Ling Xiao, who confronts you every day, would you have stepped in without hesitation?”

“Ling Xiao doesn’t need my help,” Ying Feng said expressionlessly. “In this regard, he’s much stronger than you.”

Zhu Yue’s face turned pale. He walked to the entrance of the rooftop, hesitated, then turned around and firmly said, “As long as you’re not with anyone, it proves I still have a chance. I’ll stay in Bikong until you accept me. I hope you remember, my most precious feelings are reserved only for you.”

After saying this, he left. Ying Feng originally came to the rooftop to get some fresh air but now felt disturbed. As he turned to leave, he saw Ling Xiao sitting on a higher platform.

“You’re really heartless,” Ling Xiao said, looking down. “He was so sincere that even I was almost moved by him, yet you had no reaction.”

Ying Feng looked up coldly. “You eavesdropped.”

“I came first. How could it be eavesdropping? I’m just curious, what kind of person can move your heart? You’d spend so much money on information without knowing its authenticity; could it be that you are looking for your lover from a previous life?”

Ying Feng turned his head, ignoring him.

“I never thought you’d be such a devoted person. But what if you find them? Dr. Yao said the chances of meeting again are slim to none. Even if you find them, from their appearance to their personality, everything might have changed. They might even be someone else’s Qizi.”

Ying Feng looked displeased. “Have you said enough?”

Ling Xiao jumped down from the platform, landing right in front of Ying Feng. “Now someone is offering their heart to you, and you won’t accept. What kind of person are you looking for?”

Ying Feng didn’t want to respond. Looking at Ling Xiao, he smirked maliciously. “I don’t know. Maybe if you offered your heart’s blood, I might consider it.”

“Hah,” Ling Xiao scoffed. Just as he was about to retort, an indescribable sadness surged from his heart, leaving him speechless.

Ying Feng was taken aback. “Why are you crying?”

Ling Xiao mechanically touched his face, realizing it was wet. Tears uncontrollably poured out. After a panicked glance at Ying Feng, whose eyes showed a rare hint of surprise, Ling Xiao turned and ran, fleeing from the rooftop.

Ying Feng, left behind, looked puzzled. He unconsciously lifted his hand as if to wipe away Ling Xiao’s tears.

At that moment, he felt a strange sensation, as if air had solidified into a soft kiss on his fingers. It vanished in an instant.

Was it an illusion?

---

The author has something to say:

Given the complex setting of the Tianxiu society, the technology, culture, customs, and other fields are made similar to Earth for the convenience of Earthlings to understand and not due to the author’s laziness.

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 13

Two masters were about to duel, instantly capturing the attention of the entire class. Those who were practicing before consciously made way, leaving only Ling Xiao and Ying Feng alone in the arena. They stood casually, but their eyes were constantly locked on each other, always ready to move.

Everyone was focused on the match, but some had their attention misplaced. Zhu Yue’s gaze towards Ling Xiao was dark and resentful. How he longed for all of Ying Feng’s attention, but someone else had easily captured it. Moreover, that person had previously shielded him from a blade at a critical moment.

“I bet Ling Xiao will make the first move.” A voice reached Zhu Yue’s ears. He turned his head and saw it was Lan Sheng, who was closest to Ling Xiao in class.

Beside Lan Sheng, Ping Zong smiled knowingly. “Then you’re sure to win. No matter the situation, Ling Xiao always makes the first move. He’s not a patient person.”

As if to prove their words, in a split second, both of them launched attacks simultaneously. However, only those with the keenest observation could see that Ling Xiao took the initiative. Being proactive was always his style of combat. Ying Feng’s exceptional reaction speed was also evident. If not for that, how could he, even when reacting second, match Ling Xiao’s speed?

In a flash, the two fought multiple rounds at the center of the arena. Their rapid movements left only afterimages, making it hard for the onlookers to keep up. Ling Xiao’s moves were typically flamboyant, with strikes coming from all directions, which was a feast for the eyes.

In comparison, Ying Feng’s observation and response capabilities were superior. No matter how fast or complex Ling Xiao’s moves were, Ying Feng could instantly find his weak points and attack. This often forced Ling Xiao to alter his strategy mid-move. Yet, even then, Ling Xiao would transition smoothly, leaving no opening for onlookers to notice.

The two moved from the center of the arena to the edges and back again. The entire training room became their battleground. Their blows were fierce and intense, more of a real combat exercise than a simple spar. If not for the special materials of the training room, it might have been destroyed.

During one of their exchanges, Ling Xiao jumped onto the wall to dodge Ying Feng’s assault. This position allowed him to push off the wall and return with greater momentum, at a speed almost impossible for an average person to evade—except for Ying Feng.

Ying Feng had accurately anticipated Ling Xiao’s trajectory and had a response plan in mind. However, in a split second, he felt numbness spread throughout his body, making it unresponsive.

With a loud thud and accompanying gasps, Ying Feng staggered back. Seizing this opportunity, Ling Xiao pursued without mercy.

Ying Feng’s vision blurred. To him, Ling Xiao was but a series of high-speed afterimages. He felt sharp pain in various parts of his body, powerless against Ling Xiao’s relentless assault.

The audience sensed something was amiss. At first, they thought Ling Xiao’s punch had injured Ying Feng. But as time passed, Ying Feng couldn’t even defend himself, let alone counterattack.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the spectators feared for Ying Feng’s safety. Among them, Zhu Yue was the most concerned.

“Stop it!”

A scream echoed through the training room, snapping the frenzied Ling Xiao back to reality. He realized too late that Ying Feng wasn’t fighting back. But by then, he was already rushing towards Ying Feng, ready to land a final blow. With his current momentum and strength, the defenseless Ying Feng would be severely injured!

In a flash, a dark figure darted between them, taking the full brunt of Ling Xiao’s punch. Despite Ling Xiao trying to pull back, the blow was still immensely powerful, making the intervenor’s face turn pale instantly.

Regaining his balance, Ling Xiao called out anxiously, “Ping Zong!”

Almost simultaneously with his shout, Lan Sheng rushed over from the side of the field, shouting Ping Zong’s name. He anxiously grabbed Ping Zong’s arm. “Are you alright?!”

Even though Ping Zong had summoned all his defensive power to block the punch from Ling Xiao, he still felt numbness in both arms. If that punch had hit Ying Feng, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

Facing the worried look of Lan Sheng and filled with regret, Ping Zong slowly steadied his breath. He moved his arm, feeling grateful that he was not seriously injured.

“I’m fine.” He gestured with his chin towards the person behind him. “See how he’s doing.”

Ying Feng, out of sheer pride, managed to stand without collapsing in front of everyone. Zhu Yue, who rushed over almost at the same time as Lan Sheng, circled him, asking questions in concern. Ying Feng felt a buzzing in his ears, making him even more irritated.

He stood silently for a while, and slowly sensation returned to his body. When he could control his limbs again, he slowly opened his eyes, giving Ling Xiao a cold look. This gaze made Ling Xiao stiff, leaving him speechless.

In front of everyone, Ying Feng walked out, step by step. Despite trying to maintain a steady pace, his steps seemed a bit unsteady. Zhu Yue wanted to support him but was clearly rejected. Like everyone else, he could only watch Ying Feng walk out of the training room alone.

Ling Xiao stared blankly at the retreating figure of Ying Feng for a long time. When he came to his senses, he noticed a hostile gaze directed at him. At this moment, Zhu Yue’s resentment was undisguised, and even the previous life-saving grace couldn’t offset this growing hatred.

Ling Xiao didn’t realize that from this moment on, he had planted the seed of resentment in Zhu Yue’s heart. Feeling guilty, he turned his face away. Lan Sheng was still showing concern for Ping Zong, making Ling Xiao feel more isolated—some hated him, some ignored him, and some had their own priorities. The thought ignited a flame of nameless rage inside him, coupled with an overwhelming feeling of loneliness.

Another person burning with inner fire was currently lying on a check-up table in Dr. Yao’s medical room. A printer nearby diligently carried out its task.

Dr. Yao took the printed report, quickly scanning it. “Congratulations, you’ve entered the pre-awakening stage. Your awakening will soon occur, and your body is ready for secondary development. All indicators are excellent.”

“So excellent that I won’t fight back when hit?” Ying Feng remarked sarcastically.

“Your reaction just now is a normal manifestation of pre-awakening, commonly known as pseudo-awakening. About ten days after this pre-awakening, you will enter the actual awakening phase. The real awakening will not have the numbness in the limbs, so you don’t have to worry.”

She pulled up Ying Feng’s file. “Have you chosen your partner?”

“No,” Ying Feng answered quickly.

Dr. Yao nodded. “It’s okay if you haven’t. I can give you a calming injection once a month, so the awakening won’t cause you any trouble until you find a suitable partner.”

“Is it harmful to the body?”

“Not at all. Of course, you can also choose not to take the injection. After awakening, you’ll only have a normal physiological reaction. All individuals in this state have enough reason to deal with these reactions. Just avoid intense physical confrontations, like earlier, or else it can cause hormonal imbalances. Oh, and without the calming injection, you’re not allowed to participate in field practice.”

“I’ll take it,” Ying Feng responded, eager for the opportunity for field practice.

Dr. Yao quickly prepared the injection. Watching her insert the needle into his skin and the transparent liquid flow into his veins, Ying Feng felt his body cooling down, the previous heat vanishing in an instant.

“Remember, even though this calming medicine can suppress your physical reactions, you still need to be careful not to get too close to someone in the awakening phase. Otherwise, the hormone secretion in their body might affect you and negate the drug’s effect.”

“How long can I take this medicine?”

“As long as you’re willing, you can continue indefinitely. Although we hope that you will become adults soon, we will never force any student to undergo the coming-of-age ceremony without being prepared. The oldest student in the academy has been in his immature form for twenty-two years now and hasn’t found a suitable partner, but we still respect his choice.”

“What if I can never find a match?”

“Bikong is a primary academy, with the highest grade being twelve. After this age, you can choose to stay in school, continue your studies in your immature form, or even work. Such cases have been common in previous years.”

“However, only at Bikong will you enjoy the safest protection. If you choose to study or work in your immature form, many dangerous professions will be limited. I think you know why.”

“I understand,” Ying Feng replied succinctly.

“There’s something you might not be aware of. Seeking a spouse during the awakening period is also one of our instincts. Although tranquilizers can certainly suppress your physical reactions, they won’t alleviate your psychological needs.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t you feel lonely entering the pre-awakening period, yearning to share life with someone else?”

Ying Feng silently pondered for a moment. “No.”

“Alright.” Yao Tai gave up. “Some people are emotionally late bloomers. But slowly, you will, and the urge will become more and more pressing, forcing you to actively seek your other half.”

Ying Feng sat up. The slight twitch of his lips due to pain didn’t escape Yao Tai’s eyes.

“Do you need me to treat any other injuries?”

Ying Feng placed his hand on his chest, feeling a bit of tenderness. Judging from his experience, there was probably a bruise. Recalling the force of Ling Xiao’s strike, he frowned at the painful memory.

“No need.” Ying Feng declined Yao Tai’s offer and left the infirmary.

When he returned to his dormitory, there was an unexpected guest. Although Ling Xiao was in the same grade as Ying Feng, their dormitories were far apart. Ying Feng didn’t think it was a mere coincidence.

Seeing Ying Feng return safe and sound, Ling Xiao’s worry faded, replaced by relief. Sadly, these deep-seated emotions went unnoticed. As Yao Tai said, some people were emotionally late bloomers, and unfortunately, Ling Xiao was one of them.

The corner of Ying Feng’s mouth twitched upon seeing him. “What are you here for? I don’t have banana-flavored energy bread for you.”

Ling Xiao hesitated. “Are you alright?”

“Thanks to you, I’m not dead.”

Ying Feng tried to open the door, but Ling Xiao blocked him.

“What do you want?” Ying Feng asked impatiently.

“Hit me. I won’t fight back.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

Seeing Ling Xiao resign himself to death, Ying Feng found it quite amusing and laughed out loud.

Ling Xiao’s face darkened. “Are you looking down on me?”

“Shouldn’t a normal person apologize in this situation?”

Ling Xiao was at a loss for words, as if apologizing was the most embarrassing thing in the world.

“Just hit me.”

Ying Feng scoffed. “I need to get into my dorm. Please move.”

Ling Xiao stubbornly stood his ground.

This time, Ying Feng’s anger flared. He grabbed Ling Xiao by the collar and pulled him close. Even though Ying Feng was shorter, he completely dominated in aura. They were so close that their noses nearly touched. Ying Feng’s words landed heavily on Ling Xiao’s face.

“Rest assured, one day, I will settle this score with you.”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 12

A diminutive figure appeared in the central community of the Tianyuan Network. If anyone witnessed this, they would surely be puzzled, for this area was restricted to adults. Based on his stature, the individual looked like an underdeveloped youth, especially considering he was now at the core building of the Tianyuan Network, where only the top administrators were allowed access—the Virtual Element.

He effortlessly made his way to the entrance of the control center; the structure, which was reputed to have the strictest security in the network, didn’t hinder him at all.

Standing in front of the last iris scanner, his ash-colored eyes once again confirmed his fledgling status. The scanning beam smoothly passed over his lens, emitting a beep.

“Unidentified individual detected. Please leave within 30 seconds, or an alarm will be triggered,” an artificial intelligence voice warned.

“How troublesome,” the individual muttered under his breath, then summoned a control panel with a voice command and manually entered a string of passwords.

“Identity confirmed. Passage unlocked. Would you like to bind a new iris?”

“Confirmed.”

“Would you like to overwrite or save separately?”

“Overwrite,” he casually commanded. “The previous body is dead. What’s the use of keeping it?”

The mysterious youth effortlessly reached the top floor of the Virtual Element. The room was dim and seemed untouched for a long time.

Navigating through the darkness, he skillfully avoided obstacles on the ground and laid down on a comfortable recliner.

“Yue Ying,” he called out as he settled.

Square lights on the walls gradually brightened one after another until the entire wall was illuminated, dividing it into individual squares.

“You’re back.” Soundwaves rippled on the walls in response.

“I’m back,” the man replied while sitting in the recliner with his eyes closed.

“You slept for quite a long time this round.”

“Miss me?” he teased.

“Yes,” Yue Ying responded straightforwardly. Simultaneously, several fibrous beams of light emanated from the wall, gently caressing his forehead like tendrils. “You have so many names; I’m not sure which one to call you by.”

“Xing Lou.” His voice was pleasant, especially when pronouncing these two words. “I quite like this name for this life.”

“Alright, Xing Lou.” Yue Ying seemed slightly reluctant to accept this name. “Your previous lives were too short-lived. I hope this one lasts longer.”

“I hope so too,” Xing Lou agreed. “Constantly transitioning between lives wastes too much time.”

Luminous threads penetrated his temples. “You’ve backed up all your memories online in data form. They’ll awaken the moment you connect. However, to prevent data overload, you’ve only accessed your core memories. I’m now going to implant the remaining fragments. It might hurt a bit.”

Xing Lou pouted, signaling he didn’t mind. “You didn’t tamper with my memories while I was asleep, did you?”

“Heh,” Yue Ying chuckled softly. “Who knows?”

A surge of light rushed through the connection into his brain. Xing Lou’s expression tensed momentarily but quickly relaxed.

“Done.” The fibrous strands retreated. “You can now continue your great endeavor.”

“It’s our great endeavor,” Xing Lou corrected.

The recliner elevated, positioning Xing Lou in a semi-reclined posture.

“How do you plan to deal with maturing this life? Just randomly pick someone to get through the awakening period?”

“Who cares.” Xing Lou was nonchalant. “After all, the Qizi is just a tool for development.”

“You’re the most heartless person I’ve ever met,” Yue Ying whispered, “But that’s the ideal trait for our perfect creation.”

Xing Lou didn’t object to the word “creation”. He extended his index finger, and a tendril entwined around it, full of intimate insinuations.

He brought his finger to his lips, affectionately rubbing it. “What if I say, this life, the person I desire is you?”

“Then you’ll have to work even harder.” Yue Ying chuckled softly. “I’m looking forward to meeting you in my true form.”

The wall’s lights flickered twice. “An old friend wishes to see you.”

The tendril withdrew from his finger and receded back into the wall, as if it had never been there.

Xing Lou granted access permission. A dignified, towering figure materialized in the room.

“Long time no see…”

“Long time no see, Lord Tai Yin,” Xing Lou interrupted. “I now go by the name Xing Lou.”

“Xing Lou,” Tai Yin repeated. “Sounds better than the previous life.”

“Thank you for the compliment.” Xing Lou smiled. “I appreciate your hard work during my absence.”

“You saved my life and provided the conditions for my research to continue. I always differentiate between grudges and gratitude.”

“Then I’ll strive not to offend you,” Xing Lou said with a smile, his eyes curved in amusement. “How is Shang Yang?”

“Same as always.”

Xing Lou shrugged, suggesting that wasn’t particularly good news.

“Where are you assigned this time?” Tai Yin asked.

“Bikong.”

“Bikong?”

“Why, do you know it? Oh, I remember. Your proud disciple is currently the school doctor there. I saw her earlier today; she still exudes that queenly demeanor.”

“I’m not talking about her. During your hibernation, we recruited a new member who’s currently studying in Bikong.”

“Really? Such a coincidence?” Xing Lou turned aside. “Yue Ying didn’t mention it to me.”

“I didn’t get a chance to tell you yet.” The soundwaves on the wall quivered.

“He’s a severe internet addict. He must be online now. Should I bring him in?”

“Sure, let me greet my senior… or is it a senior sister?”

Before Tai Yin could explain, Zhen He’s image appeared before them.

“Turns out it’s a senior. Nice to meet you,” Xing Lou cheerfully greeted.

“Just call me Zhen He. You are the legendary developer of the Tianyuan Network? Nice to meet you.”

“Not just the first generation,” Tai Yin interjected. “Second, third, all him. Who knows what kind of storm the fourth generation will stir up? It might even replace reality with the virtual world.”

“Don’t put it that way.” Xing Lou looked helpless. “Can’t I just be a regular person this time?”

“You’re not the type to be content with mediocrity. It’s written all over your face.”

“To come up with the idea of using the internet to store memories of past lives, you truly are no ordinary person.” Zhen He laughed.

“I’m flattered. Right now, I’m just a freshman at Bikong Academy named Xing Lou. I hope for your guidance in the future, Senior Zhen He.”

Xing Lou paused and continued. “Some people gather for common goals, some for shared interests. But our group is different. Everyone has their own objectives; we share resources and take what we need. May I ask, Senior Zhen He, why did you join us?”

“As you can see, I’m a 22-year-old fledgling.”

Xing Lou raised an eyebrow. “A 22-year-old fledgling still in Bikong without advancing? That’s rare.”

“Not just that. I’m also opposed to the coming-of-age ceremony. I wish to find a way to mature without going through it.”

“That does sound like a fantasy… What if you can’t find it?”

“Then I’ll stay this way.”

“Even as a fledgling, one day you’ll die. Do you know the consequences of dying before the coming-of-age ceremony?”

“I do, but I won’t yield.”

Xing Lou clapped his hands. “Every member in our group harbors a fantasy. If someday even one of these fantasies comes true, the whole structure of Tianxiu will transform.” He fixed his gaze on Zhen He. “Welcome to the Delusional Group.”

“Thank you.”

“Speaking of fantasies,” Xing Lou turned to Tai Yin, “How’s your progress in breaking the blood pact?”

“No progress.”

Xing Lou looked surprised. “I slept for nearly twenty years. Didn’t you do anything in these years?”

“I did. But for me, there are only two results of an experiment: success or failure. No success means no progress.”

“Alright.” Xing Lou accepted. “I hope you achieve your breakthrough soon. Hopefully, next time I see Shang Yang, he won’t scratch me.”

“Then, I guess my research here also has zero progress,” Yue Ying commented, while his restless shadow jumped around the walls.

“I have found a way to awaken Yue Ying.”

“Oh?” Both Xing Lou and Yue Ying exclaimed simultaneously.

“His body has been frozen using an advanced medical technique. To thaw, we need to inject fresh blood.”

“What’s so difficult about that?” Without hesitation, Xing Lou responded. “I can give him a transfusion.”

“The difficulty lies in the fact that a suitable blood type must be found. Not just anyone’s blood will be accepted, and if the wrong blood sample is infused, the worst-case scenario can result in blood combustion, organ failure, and even with the most advanced medical technology, it would be too late to save him. I estimate that in the entire Tianxiu realm, only one such blood type might exist.”

“What a fragile race.” Xing Lou sighed softly. “Finding that one blood type in all of Tianxiu is like finding a needle in a haystack.”

“We’ve used a little trick,” Zhen He continued. “Under the name of the Center of Disease Control, we issued a blood collection order to all the Tianxiu people. A large number of samples have already been sent to the Eagle. As long as this person is not in hibernation, given time, I believe we’ll find the right blood type.”

“I saw the CDC’s blood collection site in Bikong,” Xing Lou said, standing up from his recliner. “I was wondering when the people of Tianxiu started to get contagious diseases. So it was your doing.”

He walked to the wall, extended his palm, and touched the cold surface. “But I have to admit, it was well-executed.”

Beams of light circled his palm’s outline, making an electric humming sound as if responding to his touch.

“It seems that we will meet soon,” Xing Lou whispered.

……

“I’m done. I’m done.” The N^th student who had lost came up to Ling Xiao and waved his hands. “I can’t beat you.”

Ling Xiao, feeling frustrated, stepped to the side. It was just a close-combat training session, and he hadn’t even used his full strength.

Looking at Ping Zong and Lan Sheng, it was evident that Lan Sheng had the upper hand, but Ping Zong held back, making their fight look more like a teaching session.

“Why aren’t you practicing?” Ping Zong asked.

“Will you spar with me?” Ling Xiao countered.

Ping Zong looked at Lan Sheng and smirked.

“Don’t bully our Ping Zong. If you want to spar, I’ll be your partner,” Lan Sheng interjected.

“I’m not even interested in sparring with you,” Ling Xiao replied with disdain.

“Fuck off,” Lan Sheng said, playfully punching him. “I heard you got into a fight with some seniors yesterday?”

“Ah, big mouth Ping Zong,” Ling Xiao indirectly admitted.

“For what?”

Ling Xiao, recalling the later events, felt irritated. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“How good were they?”

“Just so-so.”

“Boasting again, aren’t you?” Lan Sheng pointed. “Why not try him? He should be a good match for you.”

Lan Sheng pointed to Ying Feng, who was training against a robot designed for close-combat training. The robot could adjust its combat abilities according to the opponent’s strength. Ying Feng had just slashed the robot’s neck with his blade. If this had been a regular person, they would likely have fallen, but the robot remained unaffected and threw a punch towards Ying Feng’s stomach.

Just when Ling Xiao thought that Ying Feng was going to take the punch squarely, the latter suddenly executed a backward spin, transitioning into a roundhouse kick. Not only did he dodge the robot’s attack, but he also landed a powerful blow on it in the process. With the kick hitting its mark, Ying Feng swiftly followed up with three rapid kicks, forcefully sending the metal-made robot flying and incapacitating it on the spot.

The combat-loving Ling Xiao was thrilled to see this, itching to fight. As Ying Feng finished the robot and turned around, he met the eyes of the eager challenger.

“Hey,” Ling Xiao gestured, “Wanna spar?”

The excitement was evident in his eyes. Finding the robot boring and Ling Xiao had taken the initiative to deliver himself to the door, Ying Feng saw no reason to decline Ling Xiao’s invitation.

He pondered for a moment. “Have you eaten? I don’t want to bully someone who’s starving.”

“Who’s bullying who isn’t decided yet,” Ling Xiao confidently replied. “By the way, I prefer banana-flavored over strawberry.”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 11

Ying Feng incredulously sized him up from head to toe. Under the mad-dog-like attack of that person just now, Zhu Yue had sustained several injuries, but no matter how one looked at it, he didn’t seem like he would bleed so much.

“Really?” He looked skeptical.

“Really.” Zhu Yue’s voice started soft then grew louder. “What exactly is going on? Why is the blood moving on its own?”

Ying Feng stared at him with a grim expression for a moment and suddenly pulled out his own dagger, swiftly making a cut on Zhu Yue’s fingertip.

“You!” Zhu Yue realized his intention and tried to pull back his hand, but he wasn’t as strong as Ying Feng. He watched helplessly as his blood dripped near Ying Feng’s bloodstain.

The two droplets of blood, though close, didn’t merge, contrasting starkly with the other bloodstains.

Zhu Yue had never expected Ying Feng to experiment on the spot. Panicking, he tried to disguise his true intentions.

“You lied to me,” Ying Feng said coldly.

Zhu Yue’s eyes flickered; his expression puzzled. “How… How could this happen? I don’t know…”

“Tell the truth.” Ying Feng’s grip was so tight it felt like he could crush his bones.

“I… I was knocked out just now. When I woke up, it was like this. I thought the blood on the ground was mine… because I couldn’t have injured that man earlier,” he stammered.

“Who was there just now?”

“Just the two of us… I don’t know what happened after I passed out. I just woke up right before you came.”

Suspicion filled Ying Feng’s eyes, but Zhu Yue remained adamant. Regrettably, when that person saw Ying Feng approaching earlier, he turned and ran, so Ying Feng didn’t even get a good look at him.

“Who attacked you just now?”

Zhu Yue timidly shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know why he targeted you?”

“There have always been many people bullying me in the academy. I dare not look at their faces.”

Zhu Yue mixed truth and falsehood in his words. Even Ying Feng knew that, due to Zhu Yue’s frailty, he had been bullied by seniors since joining the academy. Once, he was cornered and beaten by several students, but he only buried his head between his knees and sat on the ground without fighting back.

It was then that Ying Feng came to his rescue. Since then, Zhu Yue had followed him everywhere. But among the Tianxiu people, one was judged only by their strength. So, Ying Feng’s regard for Zhu Yue was perhaps even less than for Ling Xiao, who constantly provoked him.

Seeing him silent, Zhu Yue timidly asked, “Can you… tell me what’s really going on?”

Ying Feng, now close to the person he was looking for yet still out of reach, was no longer in the mood to entertain him. No matter how much Zhu Yue asked, he remained silent.

The two of them, one knew the truth and was desperate to understand the reasons, the other knew the reasons and was desperate to uncover the truth—both had their secrets, yet neither could get more information out of the other.

Ling Xiao gave a good lesson to the senior student who had dared to target him. Thinking of the other, he rushed back and witnessed the usually arrogant Ying Feng with a hand on Zhu Yue’s shoulder, asking urgently if he was hurt.

This scene was so jarring that he didn’t even want to approach and find out what was happening.

“Ling Xiao, what are you looking at?” Ping Zong happened to pass by, seeing Ling Xiao standing still and gazing into the distance, wondering what had caught his attention.

“Nothing,” Ling Xiao, not wanting Ping Zong to know his current mood, turned away.

Ping Zong felt something was off and noticed Ling Xiao’s bleeding hand. “Oh, how did you get hurt so badly?”

Only then did Ling Xiao remember his bleeding hand, but he couldn’t feel the pain anymore. “Just a minor injury.”

“This is a minor injury to you?” Without waiting for a response, Ping Zong grabbed him. “Come with me to the infirmary.”

Ling Xiao struggled but couldn’t break free. Though Ping Zong appeared not to be very strong, he effectively prevented Ling Xiao from escaping.

In the infirmary, an exasperated Ling Xiao asked, “You’re so strong. Does your Lan Sheng know?”

“He doesn’t need to know. If I asked him to go to the infirmary, he would go obediently.” Ping Zong seemed to be talking about Lan Sheng but was indirectly scolding Ling Xiao.

“I mean seriously. Every time you spar, you always let him win. Is that really a good thing?” Whether it was physical training or combat practice, Ping Zong always perfectly played the role of a sparring partner. Lan Sheng didn’t know, but Ling Xiao had a clear view from the sidelines.

“He has a strong personality. If he loses, he’ll be unhappy, and he might even lose his temper. By then, I’ll have to console him.” Ping Zong thought of something and chuckled. “In this respect, you’re quite similar to him.”

Ling Xiao was unhappy. “When have I ever lost my temper without reason?”

Ping Zong pretended not to hear. “Moreover, letting him win doesn’t hurt me. It makes him happy, so why not?”

“If you two really face off at the coming-of-age ceremony, it’s uncertain who will win or lose.”

“Given Lan Sheng’s character, losing in such a significant event might upset him greatly. Moreover, after he becomes the Qizhu, he will gain my abilities. Having great power has always been his wish, while my desire for it is not as intense as his.”

Ling Xiao heard the carefree tone, as if they weren’t discussing something so significant, but just a trivial matter.

“You’re really magnanimous.” He sincerely admired the person in front of him.

“It’s not about being magnanimous. When you truly like someone, you’ll also have the idea of willingly becoming their Qizi.”

“That’s impossible,” Ling Xiao immediately refuted. “I will never think like that.”

“When in front of someone you truly like, you can yield anything.”

“If I like someone, I must conquer them. Only by gaining power can I better protect them. This doesn’t contradict yielding because of love.”

Ping Zong just chuckled upon hearing. “That’s because you haven’t truly liked someone yet.”

Ling Xiao disagreed. “According to what you said, if Lan Sheng truly liked you, he should willingly be your Qizi for your sake. But from what I know of him, that’s impossible.”

Ping Zong pondered and shook his head. “I don’t doubt his sincerity towards me. But perhaps, as you said, some people are just like that. Even if they truly love someone, they won’t bow their heads for love. I can’t argue with you. Lan Sheng is that kind of person, and you are of the same kind. I was presumptuous.”

“So, you plan to continue to go easy on him until the coming-of-age ceremony?”

Ping Zong was non-committal. “Why not? Since there must be a winner and loser. If he’s not willing to lose, then I’ll bow first.”

The two reached the medical building, surprisingly packed with people.

“What’s going on?” Ling Xiao was taken aback. “A contagious disease?”

The sophisticated term was something he learned from a biology book. Everyone knew that the people of Tianxiu didn’t have contagious diseases or even illnesses. The so-called medical building spent most of its time treating injuries from those who loved to fight.

“The school issued a notice. Everyone needs to come and get a blood draw.”

“A notice? Why didn’t I see it?”

“I wanted to tell you yesterday, but you ran off. Lan Sheng and I already had it done yesterday.”

Ping Zong led him to a temporary blood station where two staff members in white uniforms were drawing blood, with a long line behind.

“This student is injured. Can you please take his blood first?”

Everyone had no objections, and Ling Xiao was moved to the front.

“Fighting again, weren’t you?” To his surprise, there were even teachers from the academy in the front line. Seeing Ling Xiao’s condition, one teased, “You energetic fledglings can’t sit still for a day without causing a ruckus.”

Ling Xiao sheepishly grinned. “Teacher, why are you here for a blood draw?”

“This blood draw is mandatory. All people of Tianxiu must participate,” the staff member drawing his blood replied.

“Where are you from?”

“We are from the Disease Control Center.”

“Oh,” Ling Xiao recognized the name. Its full name was the Tianxiu Mental Disease Control Center. Mental illness was probably the only disease the people of Tianxiu could suffer from.

“Did something happen? Such a large-scale blood draw?”

“We found a new blood-borne disease…”

Ling Xiao’s eyes widened. “So it really is a contagious disease?”

“Don’t worry, this disease is relatively harmless. We’re just doing a check for safety, and also researching its cause.”

Ling Xiao nodded, not quite understanding.

“All done.” The staff member filled a vial with blood and carefully recorded Ling Xiao’s personal information. “You can go and treat your wound now.”

Under Ping Zong’s escort, Ling Xiao returned to the medical room. With Tianxiu’s advanced medical technology and their special constitution, his wound healed in a short time, leaving only a faint scar across his palm.

“See, I told you it was just a minor injury. You made such a big deal out of it.”

“If you talk again, I’ll beat you until you’re severely injured; let’s see if you’ll think I’m overreacting then.”

“Haha, come on. I’ve always wanted to have a real showdown with you to see how deep your hidden strength really is.” Ling Xiao rubbed his hands in anticipation.

Suddenly, a voice interjected. “Fighting is prohibited in the medical building. Do you want me to lock both of you in the intensive care unit?”

Embarrassed, Ling Xiao lowered his fists. He and Ping Zong both respectfully greeted Dr. Yao.

Behind Yao Tai was a fledgling that Ling Xiao had never seen before. With large, curious eyes, the fledgling’s gaze wandered over the two of them, full of wonder.

Yao Tai spoke, but her words were directed at the fledgling behind her. “These are bad examples from the academy. Don’t follow their lead.”

Ling Xiao: 囧*

*A Chinese character that has become an internet phenomenon and is widely used to express embarrassment and gloom because of the character’s resemblance to a sad facial expression.

“This is a new student who just enrolled today,” Yao Tai introduced. “His name is Xing Lou, and he will be your junior.”

“Hello, I’m Ping Zong, a tenth grader.”

“Ling Xiao.”

Xing Lou bowed politely. “Hello, seniors.”

“He looks quite well-behaved.”

“There are too many people here today, and I can’t spare the time.” Yao Tai instructed, “You two take him to the first-year dormitory and help him settle in.”

“No problem,” Ling Xiao replied while shaking his head. “Let’s go.”

“Thank you, seniors.”

On the way, Ling Xiao and Ping Zong showed Xing Lou around, introducing him to the various buildings of the academy. When they reached the main gate of the dormitory area, Ling Xiao said to Ping Zong, “You can go back first. I can take him the rest of the way.”

“Alright.” Ping Zong patted Xing Lou’s head. Though they all appeared to be of the same age, for someone like Xing Lou, who just awakened, the seniors couldn’t help but act like elder siblings. “If you need anything, come find me.”

“Thank you, senior. Goodbye.”

After bidding farewell to Ping Zong, Xing Lou followed Ling Xiao to the first-year dormitory. At the dormitory office, they found out his room number.

“During your time at the base, the staff will give you a card…”

“Is it this one?” Xing Lou pulled out his magnetic card.

“Yes, that card is very important. You use it to make purchases, and your living allowance is regularly deposited into it.” Ling Xiao pointed to Xing Lou’s dorm door. “Another function of it is to unlock the door.”

Xing Lou swiped the card, and the door opened automatically. Every room in the academy, regardless of the grade level, had the same configuration.

“Wow, such a big bed. Does every room have a double bed?”

“Yes, so you don’t roll off while sleeping,” Ling Xiao joked, but Xing Lou took him seriously.

“Really? The academy is so considerate.”

Ling Xiao gave Xing Lou a detailed introduction to everything in the room. “This is the network connection device. Through it, you can access the interactive web. You can also bind it to your terminal, allowing you to surf the web anywhere, anytime.”

Xing Lou nodded and wrote it down.

“And this is a teleportation device. If you buy something online, it’ll be delivered to you through this device. Very convenient.”

“That’s amazing.” Xing Lou carefully touched the exterior of the teleporter. Ling Xiao was amused by his action, but he understood. When he first encountered these things, he too was filled with curiosity and awe, just like Xing Lou.

After Xing Lou got the hang of the basic functionalities, Ling Xiao prepared to leave. “That’s it. Call me if you need anything.”

After exchanging contact information, Xing Lou expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, senior. Please take care of me in the future.”

“You’re too polite,” Ling Xiao replied, patting Xing Lou’s head affectionately.

After seeing Ling Xiao off, the first thing Xing Lou did was to check out the network connection device.

Browsing the web? Sounds interesting.

He followed the method taught by Ling Xiao and connected his terminal.

“AHHHHHHH!!”

A sharp scream alerted Ling Xiao, who was still nearby. He rushed back, kicking open Xing Lou’s door, “What happened?!”

Xing Lou, with innocent wide eyes, said, “There was a spider on the ceiling…”

Ling Xiao looked exasperated. “As a Tianxiu person who fears nothing, how can you be afraid of a spider?”

Xing Lou felt embarrassed by his reaction.

Ling Xiao let it slide. “Where’s the spider now?”

Xing Lou looked up. “I think I scared it away.”

Ling Xiao: “…”

“I’m okay now. Sorry for making you worried,” Xing Lou said.

Ling Xiao waved it off. “Just don’t get scared so easily next time.”

Xing Lou nodded vigorously. “Okay!”

Ling Xiao, still a bit concerned, finally left.

Out of his sight, behind the wall, the first-year student of Bikong Academy, Xing Lou, was curiously examining his hands with a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

“It’s been a long time, world. I’m back.”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 10

“Ying Feng! Ying Feng, wait up!”

Ying Feng stopped reluctantly. When had he started to find this guy so clingy?

Just a moment ago, when Ying Feng was walking ahead, Ling Xiao was chasing him persistently. Now that the two of them were face to face, Ling Xiao seemed lost for words.

“Do you need something?” Ying Feng asked directly, implying that if not, he should leave.

Ling Xiao clenched his teeth. “Have you registered with Zhu Yue?”

Ying Feng furrowed his brows. “Registered?”

“You know, like… at Dr. Yao’s. For the coming-of-age ceremony.”

He spoke vaguely, and Ying Feng was puzzled.

“I don’t know.”

“So you haven’t registered?” Ling Xiao’s mood improved considerably. “Then how come I saw both of you coming out of the medical building today?”

“You’ve been following me?”

“Can’t I just run into you coincidentally?”

“Can’t we just meet coincidentally?”

Ling Xiao murmured, “It might be a coincidence for you, but maybe not for him.”

Ying Feng either didn’t hear clearly or simply ignored him. “You chased me down just to ask this?”

“Can’t I even ask?” Ling Xiao, trying to hide his awkwardness, rubbed his nose. “Have you and Zhu Yue tried it?”

“Tried what?”

Ling Xiao made a motion of cutting his finger. “Like last time.”

Understanding dawned on Ying Feng. “No.”

Ling Xiao was elated. “Why haven’t you tried?”

“Do I have to try with everyone?”

“You need to find your past life’s partner, right? What if you tried with everyone and still couldn’t find them?” Ling Xiao said, taking a bit of pleasure in Ying Feng’s predicament.

“Are you done?”

“Huh?”

“You’ve been beating around the bush, but you have just one intention.”

“What?”

“You’ve run out of money for food, haven’t you?”

“I…”

“You can just tell me if you need to borrow some. No need to go about it in a roundabout way.”

Ling Xiao was stunned. Just then, his stomach growled quite appropriately.

Wait, this is the internet. How could a digital entity be hungry? Ling Xiao wondered. Indeed, in reality, he hadn’t eaten all day. But how did Ying Feng know?

“I saw your card balance last time. If you’re broke, don’t overspend.”

“Who says?” Ling Xiao retorted. “I have many friends. I can always mooch off someone for a meal. I don’t need your concern.”

In fact, he had been eating at Ping Zong’s and Lan Sheng’s for days using various excuses and was starting to feel embarrassed.

“Alright,” Ying Feng said, appearing relieved. “If you’re okay, then stop following me.”

Frustrated, Ling Xiao watched as Ying Feng walked away and disappeared from view.

It’s just money, right? It’s not like he earned it… Ling Xiao muttered to himself. To save up his allowance, he must be eating those cheap Mogu brand energy bread. The bread was cheap and filling, so money could be saved. That must be how it was.

Imagining Ying Feng munching on the energy bread, Ling Xiao logged off and found the delivery light on his transporter lit up.

A lit light meant there was a delivery. Thanks to technology, any online purchase would be delivered through this transporter. Even the unlocking device Zhen He gave to Ying Feng last time was delivered this way.

When the light was on, it meant that there was something inside. Thanks to the advancements in internet technology, any product purchased online would be delivered through the teleportation device. The last time when Zhen He gave Ying Feng the unlocker, it was also transferred to reality using this machine.

However, Ling Xiao clearly didn’t bring anything with him and couldn’t possibly have made any purchases with his card, so why would the teleporter’s light be on? Could it be Ping Zong or Lan Sheng? The three of them sometimes bought items online and had them directly delivered to one another’s addresses, but what could it be this time?

With confusion, Ling Xiao opened the teleporter, and to his surprise, there was an entire box of Mogu brand energy bread.

Staring at this unexpected gift, Ling Xiao was stunned for a moment. Only two people knew that he didn’t have enough money on his card to buy food, and obviously, someone as money-loving as Zhen He wouldn’t do such a thing.

With mixed feelings, he pulled out one of the packs and was immediately taken aback.

It was strawberry-flavored energy bread. The pink packaging emitted shyness from the inside out, and it was adorned with a picture of a young girl in a magic costume… This was clearly meant for girls to eat. Was Ying Feng teasing him on purpose?

Despite these thoughts, he hesitated for a moment, then opened the packaging, took a sniff, and bit into it.

Half an hour later, Ling Xiao lay contentedly on his bed, rubbing his full stomach, with an empty package beside him. The bag had a picture of a young girl in a pink dress, smiling radiantly.

Sure enough, when you’re hungry, anything tastes delicious… Ling Xiao thought to himself.

……

The next day, Ling Xiao woke up rejuvenated. The energy bread really sustained hunger well, as he didn’t feel any hungrier even after a whole night. From his estimation, one packet could replace a day’s consumption, and the amount Ying Feng bought for him was just right to last until the next stipend.

However, the thought of having to eat this for every upcoming day made Ling Xiao somewhat anxious.

On his way to the classroom, he encountered two twelfth grade seniors apparently bullying someone.

It was already wrong to outnumber and bully the weak, especially when Ling Xiao realized that the victim was his own classmate. He couldn’t just stand by.

“Hey,” the two senior students from Bikong Academy heard someone shouting from behind. Annoyed, they turned and laughed when they saw who it was.

“Look, isn’t this the one you fancied?” said the taller one, teasingly.

“It seems we’re meant to be,” replied the other. “Too bad he’s not ripe for the taking yet.”

The two snickered, and Ling Xiao, not understanding their conversation, leaped over, stepped on their shoulders, and landed beside his classmate.

“Hey, are you okay?” Although Ling Xiao came to help, he instinctively didn’t like the guy and wasn’t particularly friendly.

The last thing Zhu Xue wanted was a favor from Ling Xiao. He also harbored innate hostility towards him, so even though he was in danger, he still resented Ling Xiao’s interference.

“I’m fine,” he said, standing tall, not wanting to seem weak in front of Ling Xiao. The two seniors were clearly angered by Ling Xiao’s insolence.

“Hey junior, hasn’t anyone taught you to respect your seniors?”

Ignoring them, Ling Xiao turned to Zhu Xue. “What happened? Why are they bullying you?”

“Why don’t you ask him?” the taller senior snapped. “We didn’t provoke him. He suddenly came at us. How is this our fault?”

“Exactly,” the shorter one chimed in. “You should control your classmates.”

“How dare you!” Zhu Xue stepped forward indignantly. “Who was it that said they couldn’t find anyone of their own grade to their liking, and that the tenth graders are about to awaken, so they should take advantage and take their blood while they’re still ignorant?”

“So what if we said it?” The taller one smirked. “Did we mention you? With your skill level, even if you begged me, I wouldn’t care.”

“You may not have mentioned me, but targeting Ying Feng is off-limits!”

“Ying Feng?” Ling Xiao interjected, having pieced things together. “These guys dared to set their sights on Ying Feng?”

Zhu Xue kept silent, and Ling Xiao deduced even worse possibilities. “Am I involved in this too?”

The shorter one smirked. “I don’t want to fight you now. Wait till you awaken, and I promise I’ll ‘take care’ of you.”

Annoyed, Ling Xiao finally realized he was being coveted by such disgusting people. “We don’t have to wait. I’ll ‘take care’ of you right now.”

By the end of his sentence, the shorter one had already received two punches, and he didn’t even see how Ling Xiao made his move. The taller one joined the fray, but Ling Xiao, an expert in close combat among the tenth graders, held his own even against two seniors.

While Ling Xiao was powerful, fighting two opponents wasn’t easy. After dozens of rounds, neither side had the upper hand. The seniors were getting embarrassed; losing to a tenth grader would look bad. At Bikong Academy, fighting wasn’t against the rules or shameful, but losing was.

Considering this, they threw all pretense out the window, exchanged a look, and drew their daggers. Now Ling Xiao was at a disadvantage, as he didn’t carry a dagger out of laziness. He was now unarmed against two armed opponents, and he soon suffered some injuries.

Watching anxiously from the sidelines, Zhu Xue, despite his disdain for Ling Xiao, couldn’t just watch him lose. He drew his own dagger and lunged at the taller one.

But he was too slow and weak. The taller one easily dodged and only had his clothes slightly cut.

“You weakling, dare to challenge me?” Enraged by Zhu Xue’s audacity, the senior feinted at Ling Xiao and lunged at Zhu Xue with his dagger raised high.

Zhu Yue let out a startled cry, fearfully closing his eyes. However, after waiting for a long time, the anticipated pain didn’t come.

He cautiously opened his eyes a crack. In front of him, a hand tightly gripped a knife’s blade. Blood dripped down from the dagger, falling to the ground. Beneath his feet, there was a patch of dark red.

“You really drag me down.” Ling Xiao spat out through clenched teeth. Suddenly, he exploded with power, as if transformed, defeating the two attackers with ease. Zhu Yue was stunned. Was this Ling Xiao’s true strength?

The tall one had already been knocked down. Seeing the turn of events, the shorter one turned to run. Without a word, Ling Xiao chased after him, and both disappeared in an instant.

Zhu Yue was still in a daze when the fallen foe shakily got up. Seeing only Zhu Yue left, the man charged at him in rage. He had been thoroughly beaten by Ling Xiao earlier, and now, with his anger boiling over, he seemed determined to tear Zhu Yue apart. Startled by this aggressive onslaught, Zhu Yue could only swing his dagger wildly, trying to fend off his attacker.

“Enough,” a deep voice suddenly interrupted. Zhu Yue trembled, as if hearing something incredible.

When he looked up, it was Ying Feng standing in front of him, and the aggressive senior had vanished.

“Where did he go?” Zhu Yue cautiously asked.

“I drove him away.”

“But I…” Zhu Yue cried out in alarm, realizing he had accidentally cut Ying Feng’s arm in his blind flailing.

“It’s just a small wound. Don’t overreact,” Ying Feng chided.

“But,” Zhu Yue said uneasily, pointing to the bleeding cut, “It’s bleeding.”

Ying Feng dismissed the minor injury and turned his attention to Zhu Yue. “Your fighting skills are pitifully weak. You’re a disgrace.”

Feeling ashamed, especially after being criticized by someone he admired, Zhu Yue lowered his head. His gaze fell upon the wound he had caused. A trickle of blood ran down Ying Feng’s arm, over the back of his hand, and lingered at the fingertip for a moment before dropping to the ground, close to the spot where Ling Xiao’s blood had fallen.

“Ah!” Zhu Yue screamed again, dropping the dagger in his hand with a clang.

“What are you screaming about?” Yin Feng asked impatiently.

Zhu Yue covered his mouth, pointing at the ground, looking as if he had witnessed the most horrifying scene in the world.

Following his gesture, Ying Feng looked down. Beside the blood that had already seeped into the ground, a new bloodstain was slowly spreading, merging with the old one, creating an alarming red trail on the ground.

Had Ying Feng not previously read Tai Yin’s research diary, he would have thought something supernatural was occurring. In contrast, the uninformed Zhu Yue was far from calm; his face was pale and his expression horrified, as if he had seen a ghost.

The mingling of the blood finally ceased, indistinguishable from each other, just as described in Tai Yin’s diary.

Suddenly, Zhu Yue felt a sharp pain in his shoulders as Yin Feng tightly grasped them.

“Whose is it?”

“What…what?” Zhu Yue was confused.

“The blood on the ground,” an unusually tense Ying Feng questioned. All the composure he had maintained over the past ten years seemed to evaporate in that moment.

“Why don’t you first tell me why this happened?” Zhu Yue inquired.

The pain in Zhu Yue’s shoulder intensified, a result of Yin Feng’s increasing grip, making him cry out in pain.

Ignoring Zhu Yue’s question, Yin Feng demanded, “Tell me, whose blood is on the ground?”

Zhu Yue bit his lower lip and responded, “It’s my blood.”

---

The author has something to say:

Tip: Due to its racial specificity, the school doesn’t prohibit fighting, but the use of weapons is strictly prohibited.

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 9

If one were to say that Yao Tai’s words offer these soon-to-be awakened fledglings another possibility for their coming-of-age ceremony, Zhi Shang’s supplement was undoubtedly a shot of confidence. Many hesitant couples were now resolved to embrace this pivotal moment in life in a peaceful manner.

Among them were Lan Sheng and Ping Zong. By the time Ling Xiao got the news, the two had already registered at the school infirmary, waiting for their awakening period to formally conduct the coming-of-age ceremony.

“Have you two really decided on this?”

“Yes,” Ping Zong replied with a smile. “I willingly offer my heart’s blood to be his Qizi in this lifetime.”

“I’ll use the rights and abilities I gain to protect him.” Lan Sheng’s words were already bearing the demeanor of a Qizhu. “I’ll never use my position as a Qizhu to oppress him.”

Hearing this, Ling Xiao felt a pang of emotion, full of genuine blessings and envy.

“Hey, are you too moved to speak? I can understand the pain in your heart as a single guy,” Lan Sheng teased, poking Ling Xiao’s face and bursting his emotional bubble.

“Forget it, you two prioritize romance over friendship.” Ling Xiao wiped away non-existent tears. “After you finish your ceremony, you’ll be promoted, heartlessly leaving me behind.”

“That’s why you should try harder. We aren’t the first to register. Many have reported to Dr. Yao before us. The academy will likely see a batch of graduates soon.”

“It’s not that fast. Didn’t Dr. Yao mention that even after the ceremony, both parties must be confirmed physically and mentally sound before being allowed to graduate?” Ping Zong said with a hint of worry.

“What could possibly go wrong?” Lan Sheng waved dismissively. “You’re overthinking.”

“Huh?” Ping Zong noticed two figures in the distance. “Isn’t that Ying Feng and Zhu Yue? Did they also go to the infirmary to register?”

Upon hearing this, Ling Xiao turned quickly and indeed saw the two emerging from a white building, which was the Bikong Academy’s medical building.

Ling Xiao’s heart skipped a beat, and he didn’t catch what Lan Sheng said next.

“Why are you spacing out?” Lan Sheng nudged him.

“Oh, nothing…” Ling Xiao averted his gaze. “I just remembered something. I need to leave.”

Ling Xiao left swiftly, leaving Lan Sheng and Ping Zong exchanging puzzled glances.

“Why did he leave so suddenly?” Lan Sheng was perplexed.

“What did you just say? Blood collection?”

“Didn’t you see the notice at the entrance of the infirmary? Everyone has to give blood for some research.”

Ping Zong sighed. “Why didn’t you mention it earlier?”

Lan Sheng slapped his forehead. “I forgot as soon as I turned around. I think Ying Feng and Zhu Yue must be going for blood collection. I just don’t know what Ling Xiao is up to.”

Before Ling Xiao could even think of a proper excuse, he was already standing outside the medical room. He hesitated, unsure how to convey his intention to Doctor Yao.

—Doctor Yao, may I know if my classmate, Ying Feng, has registered?”

Asking such a privacy-invading question would probably not yield an answer.

—How many students in our class have registered for the coming-of-age ceremony?

Doctor Yao would probably reply, “Mind your own business.” This approach seemed unlikely to work.

As Ling Xiao was pondering over his options, someone interrupted his thoughts.

“Young man, are you here for Dr. Yao?”

Following the voice, Ling Xiao recognized the uniform of a nurse.

“Ah? Oh, yes,” Ling Xiao stammered in response.

“She’s not in the medical room right now. You might have to wait.”

Ling Xiao’s anxiety eased a bit. “Oh, do you know where she went?”

“I just saw her heading to the rooftop. Maybe she needed some fresh air.”

Ling Xiao nodded in thanks, and the nurse left.

The rooftop… Ling Xiao looked up, thinking maybe he could indirectly inquire by making casual conversation. He quickly went up to the rooftop but didn’t see the person he was looking for.

Was the information wrong? Or had she already left? Just as Ling Xiao was about to turn back, he heard a familiar voice coming from a hidden direction, separated from him by a wall.

Why would they talk in such a secluded corner? Curious, Ling Xiao moved closer to the wall, hearing the conversation even clearer.

“You’re back to work so soon. Can your body handle it?”

Ling Xiao was surprised. Had Dr. Zhi Shang come to the academy?

But he quickly dismissed the idea. The voice sounded distorted, more like it was coming from a communicator. So, Dr. Yao was communicating with her Qizi… Ling Xiao remembered what Lan Sheng had mentioned earlier about eavesdropping on a private conversation. He wasn’t sure if he should continue listening.

“I’m fine.” Dr. Yao’s voice sounded weary. “Thankfully, the base has the most advanced medical equipment. The side effects of the second generation were beyond my expectations.”

“You can’t be reckless like this again,” Zhi Shang emphasized. “Even though you’re my Qizhu, I hope you’ll respect my decisions.”

Dr. Yao chuckled but didn’t comment. Realizing his words might be in vain, Zhi Shang sighed, softening his tone.

“I mean it. You always abuse your privileges. It happened before, and it’s happening now.”

Ling Xiao was very curious about what “before” referred to. Dr. Yao began, “This time, I injected a semi-finished product of the second generation. Afterwards, I used the strongest purifier and lay in the medical pod for two hours. After resting under your meticulous care for an entire night, I still felt unwell.”

“Back then, when Teacher was desperate, he would inject several times my dosage. After a physical confrontation with the military, he escaped injured with nothing. No medication, medical equipment, and with a fledgling who loathed him by his side…”

Zhi Shang remained silent from the moment she started the old story.

“Do you think… Teacher is still alive?”

After an awkward silence, Dr. Yao changed the subject. “Forget it. How are things on your end? Did you find out the cause of the malfunction? Was it accidental or intentional?”

“We found the cause. An intern caused a command conflict while setting the program. Although it was human error, it wasn’t intentional.”

“That’s good. I believe Yu Quan wouldn’t do what you suspected.”

“Yes,” Zhi Shang admitted with a hint of guilt. “The previous incident was too coincidental, and I lacked trust in my subordinates. Thankfully, I only mentioned this suspicion to you. After the last event, combined with his nature, Yu Quan already has difficulty gaining trust. I can’t let him fall into a predicament again.”

He paused, then continued, “In any case, we once studied under the same mentor. In a few days, I plan to apply to the military department again to end his probation period and promote him to a full-time researcher.”

Yao Tai nodded in agreement. “It’s about time. He’s been an assistant for quite a while. If it drags on any longer, I might become the principal.”

Her joke lightened Zhi Shang’s mood. “How’s your principal lately?”

Yao Tai sighed. “Same as always. However, his recent approach of gentle mobilization has yielded good results. Combined with your cooperation, several pairs of students registered this morning, expressing their willingness to follow your example and donate blood voluntarily.”

This seemingly uplifting news, however, only deepened Zhi Shang’s worries. “Actually, ever since I made that statement, I’ve been reflecting on whether what we did was right.”

“It’s not your responsibility,” Yao Tai responded sternly. “I was the one who ordered you to do it.”

“The thought of those trusting fledglings, realizing the truth isn’t as rosy as I painted it when they undergo the coming-of-age ceremony…”

“Stop overthinking,” Yao Tai sharply interrupted, yet she couldn’t prevent him from finishing.

“…I regret it. Is it really right for us to deceive the children this way?”

Unbeknownst to Yao Tai, Ling Xiao, who had eavesdropped on the entire conversation from behind the wall, hardly dared to breathe. Only when he was sure that Yao Tai had left did he slowly relax.

What was happening? Alarming thoughts rang in Ling Xiao’s head. He felt he had inadvertently heard something he shouldn’t have. What had the doctor deceived them about?

Having forgotten his original reason for seeking Yao Tai, Ling Xiao thought of consulting someone. After some consideration, only one person came to mind.

“So, you came to ask me?” Zhen He lay leisurely on his luxurious recliner, looking as comfortable as could be. He didn’t even lift a finger when Ling Xiao entered.

Internally, Ling Xiao criticized; Zhen He was nothing like the person he first met. If he’d shown his true nature from the beginning, probably few would’ve sought to do business with him.

Without waiting for an invitation, Ling Xiao picked a chair and sat down. “Aren’t you an intelligence officer? Don’t you know more than others?”

“It’s true I am an intelligence officer,” Zhen He drawled lazily. “But do you still have money?”

Ling Xiao was displeased. “I gave you an entire month’s allowance.”

“So?” Zhen He replied matter-of-factly. “If you can’t pay, why bother asking? I run a small business here, no credit.”

“You’re such a…” Ling Xiao was at a loss for words. “People like you… nobody must like you. No wonder you haven’t reached adulthood yet.”

Zhen He fixed him with a creepy smile that sent shivers down Ling Xiao’s spine.

“Forget it. Just pretend I didn’t say anything.” Ling Xiao felt instinctively that it was better not to offend this person. “Do you have someone you like?”

“Yes,” Zhen He responded very directly.

Ling Xiao was surprised that he admitted so readily. “Where is that person now?”

“They don’t want me.” Zhen He’s gaze shifted to the distance. His reply seemed unrelated to the question. “If I truly had someone with mutual affections, I wouldn’t engage in any coming-of-age ceremony with them.”

“Why?” Ling Xiao was taken aback.

“Because those coming-of-age ceremonies are all lies. Two people who truly love each other shouldn’t be together because of such a formality.”

Ling Xiao perked up his ears. “The doctor said she deceived us, and you’re also saying the coming-of-age ceremony is a lie. What does the real coming-of-age ceremony look like?”

Zhen He shook his head meaningfully and simply made a hand gesture resembling asking for money, causing Ling Xiao to deflate immediately.

“I’m starting to understand why the person you love doesn’t want you.”

Zhen He didn’t seem embarrassed at all. “Thanks for the compliment.”

“We have another visitor.” Zhen He clapped twice. “Welcome.”

Ling Xiao was surprised because the visitor was Ying Feng.

“Are you here for him too?” Ling Xiao asked.

Ignoring the question, Ying Feng flicked something towards them. “I came to return this.”

Zhen He caught it with a smile. “Well done, boys. Did you find what you were looking for?”

Just thinking about the two droplets of blood on the windowsill made Ling Xiao grunt in displeasure.

Ying Feng seemed in no mood to linger. After returning the unlocking device to Zhen He, he turned to leave. Seeing him go, Ling Xiao immediately jumped up from his seat. “Wait!”

Zhen He played with the unlocking device Ying Feng returned, watching the two of them leave with a playful look in his eyes.

“Interesting.”

He twirled a ring on his finger, which turned out to be a secret communication device that conveyed messages in a very special way, even avoiding military signal interception.

“Yo, the former Chief Researcher,” he greeted irreverently the elder who had lived for more than four hundred years longer than him.

The man in the projector responded coldly, “I told you not to call me that.”

“Alright, Lord… Tai Yin,” Zhen He thought for a moment and added a suffix. “The research materials you left in the lab have been successfully copied.”

“Well done.” Tai Yin’s mouth softened a bit.

“It’s all thanks to our inside-outside cooperation. I’m surprised it didn’t raise any suspicion. But I don’t understand. If you have an informant at the base, why not have them send the data directly? Why the need for such a roundabout?”

“You don’t understand the base’s management. It seems open, but it’s actually very strict. Internal staff can’t bring anything out. Only people outside the base can, and students are the least suspicious.”

“I see. So we should also thank Bikong for arranging such a perfect field trip. It seems the school doctor, who proposed this idea, has a deep connection with Lord Tai Yin?” Zhen He hinted.

Tai Yin ignored him. “I’ll handle the surveillance footage from the base. This has to be done without leaving traces; it’s not time to expose anything yet. As for the ones you chose, you’re responsible for them. Don’t let them say what they shouldn’t.”

Zhen He tossed the unlocking device—more precisely, a memory stick—into the air and caught it repeatedly. “Of course, even they themselves are still in the dark. I believe they can’t say anything. Speaking of which, I think any one of them is a rare talent. I really hope one day…”

He caressed the shell of the memory stick. “…They can fight alongside us.”

---

The author has something to say:

Little tip: The Qizhu may not necessarily be the gong/T, but can also be the shou/P.

---

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