Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 88

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

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

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

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

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

“What’s that?”

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

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

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

“Ying— Feng–”

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

“Look! A puppy!”

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

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

Ying Feng decisively replied, “No.”

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

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

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

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

Little Wolf: Awooo—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Flower seeds.”

“Why buy these?”

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

“Just as a memento.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Oh?” Ling Xiao expressed surprise.

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

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

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

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

“Did you hear anything?” Ling Xiao asked.

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

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

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

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

“Could it just be a regular wolf?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Literally gray wolf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What kind of seeds are these?”

“Acacia.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

……

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

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

“He might be sick.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 87

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

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

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

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

“Who is it?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I…”

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

“But…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Can we talk privately?”

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

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

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

Fei Jing halted.

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

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

“I can let them stay here.”

Fei Jing spun around in disbelief. “You?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What took you so long?” he complained.

“They will stay,” Ying Feng informed.

Ling Xiao’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Do you really admire Tai Yin that much?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back at the meeting point, the markings on Ling Xiao’s face inevitably led to interrogation and ridicule from Red Head. To protect Fei Hing’s secret, Ling Xiao had to be vague and evasive. The thrilling experiences he had intended to brag about remained unsaid, along with his identity as the Wolf Queen.

Come evening roll call, the instructor was furious.

“It’s because each of you adapts differently that the school arranged for free activities. But this doesn’t mean you can do as you please and disappear. Do you have no discipline as military students?”

Ling Xiao and the others stood straight, facing forward, showing the best apologetic attitude.

Seeing their response, the instructor’s anger lessened slightly. “Starting tomorrow, those who stayed out all night or didn’t leave their rooms will have double the training of their peers. Any objections?”

“No, instructor!” the four replied in unison.

“Dismissed!”

The instructor waved them away. Those who broke the rules were the same four who had been admitted despite not meeting the usual criteria, proving to be problematic students. Yet, their combat performance was outstanding, making them both a blessing and a curse. The increased training was for their own improvement.

The dormitory in Wolf Star wasn’t designed exclusively for joint combat; each room was standard double occupancy. A corridor separated the two single beds, which became an obstacle for Ling Xiao’s sleep.

Tossing and turning on his bed, Ling Xiao almost fell off multiple times. Disturbed, Ying Feng, who was unable to sleep, reprimanded, “Can you be quiet for a bit?”

Ling Xiao tugged at the blanket corner with a pitiful look. “I can’t sleep alone.”

Predicting this, Ying Feng shifted, making room. “Come here.”

Ling Xiao happily threw his blanket aside and nestled into Ying Feng’s embrace so quickly that Ying Feng didn’t have time to react.

“I just realized, this is more convenient.”

Ling Xiao: “…Don’t you think using mental power for such a short distance is a waste?”

They were separated by just a meter-long corridor!

Ignoring him, Ying Feng hugged Ling Xiao. “Sleep.”

Ling Xiao pondered a moment before pushing it aside, happily hugging Ying Feng. He assumed this would help him sleep, but he remained awake.

“What’s the matter now?” Ying Feng asked, sensing Ling Xiao’s restlessness.

Ling Xiao pouted. “It’s cramped with two people.”

“Then go back.”

Ling Xiao clung tighter. “I miss the large bed in the Wolf King’s palace.”

“Stay if you want to fail your internship.”

Ling Xiao went silent but eventually asked, “How do you think Shuang Feng and the others sleep?”

Without opening his eyes, Ying Feng replied, “You can knock and ask.”

…That would be asking for trouble, right?

Suddenly, Ling Xiao had an idea. “How about a hypnotic kiss?”

He wrapped his arms around Ying Feng’s neck and initiated a kiss. Ying Feng reciprocated, and they passionately kissed until Ling Xiao’s mind went fuzzy.

Once they caught their breath, Ling Xiao remembered his intention.

Why am I still awake?

“Where’s the hypnosis?”

“I forgot,” Ying Feng replied nonchalantly.

Ling Xiao was exasperated. “You did that on purpose! You’re such a perve—”

Before he could finish, he was silenced by another kiss and drifted off to sleep.

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 86

Ling Xiao fumbled around with his eyes closed at the head of the bed. After some struggle, he finally found his terminal. It must be said that the large bed was incredibly comfortable, making one forget about time once they lay down.

“What time is it?” he mumbled, turning on the terminal.

Messages from Red Head flooded in, one after another, almost overflowing his inbox.

“Ling Xiao! Where did you guys go off to play without inviting me?”

“It’s almost curfew. Where are you?”

“The instructor is taking attendance! Get back quickly!”

“Shuang Feng slept all day in the dorm and was caught by the instructor. They’re going to deduct his credits, hahaha.”

“Even Ying Feng is not picking up. Did you two get taken by wolves? If you don’t come back soon, you’ll lose credits too!”

“It’s over! I can’t save you guys. Brace yourselves for the instructor’s wrath.”

The last one from this morning read, “It’s morning, and you’re still not picking up. Are you guys okay?”

Damn! Ling Xiao sat up abruptly. He drank too much last night and totally forgot about the off-campus internship!

But where was Ying Feng? He was alone, with only an evident indentation beside him.

Without considering where Ying Feng might be, he immediately called back Red Head. The latter laughed maliciously upon hearing Ling Xiao’s voice.

“How dare you stay out all night during an internship? Although it’s a free activity, did you guys take it as a vacation?”

“I forgot,” Ling Xiao said with a frustrated face. “What did the instructor say?”

“He just said to expect a deduction in credits.”

“Can I rush back now and plead with him?”

“He’s gone hiking. It’s no use coming back now. Wait until tonight!”

After hanging up, Ying Feng entered the room, holding something Ling Xiao couldn’t recognize.

Seeing Ling Xiao dejectedly sitting on the bed, Ying Feng asked, “What’s wrong?”

“We missed the roll call last night and are going to lose credits.”

“He mentioned losing credits but not failing, right? It’s okay if it’s just once.”

Ling Xiao was taken aback. He didn’t expect such words from a top student. Only then did he notice what Ying Feng held.

“What’s that?”

“It’s the juice from wattle grass, which can be used as pigment. I saw it in the garden yesterday and picked some.”

“You’re well-informed,” Ling Xiao said, surprised.

“I read about it in a book,” Ying Feng replied, sitting down next to him. Apart from the wattle grass juice, he also held a wolf’s-hair brush—made from the actual hairs of a black wolf.

Ying Feng’s extensive reading sometimes left Ling Xiao feeling out of depth. But the key point was, “What are you using this for?”

“For a photo later.”

“And after that?”

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” Ying Feng said, lifting the small dish filled with ink. “The Elder Wolf King said that on the second day of marriage here, one must personally leave a mark on their spouse. It’s their ritual.”

Recalling tattoos and piercings, Ling Xiao understood. The marriage ceremony he had missed out on would be revisited today in this manner.

“Are you going to tattoo my face?”

“It’s just for the photo. This ink washes off easily,” Ying Feng replied, dipping the brush into the ink and moving closer to Ling Xiao. “Stay still.”

Ling Xiao became still, not moving an inch, as Ying Feng painstakingly drew on his face, stroke by stroke. Ling Xiao had no idea what he was sketching, but he could clearly sense from his peripheral vision that Ying Feng’s gaze remained fixed on him the entire time. Such dedication and focus, as if the person he was looking at was the only one in the world.

When someone was indifferent to the whole world but chose to lay their eyes on you, even a mere glance could make one feel as if they’re soaring on top of the world. Right now, Ling Xiao felt like he was floating among the clouds, monopolizing all the sunshine. He had persevered through harsh cold and fierce storms more than anyone else to reach this pinnacle.

While time outside moved on, time inside seemed to stand still. The tip of the brush touched the skin, but it was the heart that itched. If time could feel, it would wish this moment never ended.

But reality often didn’t go as planned. After finishing the last pattern, Ying Feng put down his brush.

“It’s done.”

Ling Xiao, still lost in his daydream, was startled. “So fast?”

“Fast?” Ying Feng was puzzled. “I’ve been drawing for a while now.”

Ling Xiao felt awkward, admitting that it felt quick to him, and he tentatively reached out to touch his face. “What did you draw?”

Ying Feng grabbed his hand. “It’s still wet. Don’t touch.”

Ling Xiao, now even more uncertain, asked, “Is there a mirror?”

Ying Feng stretched out his hand, and a small circular mirror floated above his palm.

It was a basic reconnaissance soul crystal, used to see behind oneself when turning wasn’t convenient. Ling Xiao hadn’t expected Ying Feng to use it here. Examining his reflection, Ling Xiao observed intricate patterns, reminiscent of the Wolf Star’s style, spreading from the corner of his right eye. He had never known Ying Feng possessed such drawing skills.

“What does this pattern mean?”

“In the culture of the Wolf Star, it signifies eternity. Although it’s part of a bride’s makeup, it’s essentially a gender-neutral design. Many males have it too.”

Hearing that both genders would have it, Ling Xiao became enthusiastic. “Then let me draw one for you.”

Ying Feng had a feeling this might not end well. “Do you know how?”

“It’s just drawing.” Ling Xiao took the brush, trying to replicate the pattern on Ying Feng’s face.

Only when he started using the soft brush did he realize how unruly it was. How did Ying Feng manage to hold it so steady without shaking and control it so effortlessly? Why was it that when he tried, the brush seemed to have a mind of its own, frequently going off track?

By the time he finished, Ling Xiao was drenched in sweat. Looking at the result, even he felt embarrassed.

“Um… it doesn’t look great. Maybe you should wash it off.”

Ying Feng had already raised the mirror, and Ling Xiao hadn’t stopped him in time, so he saw it.

The drawing on Ling Xiao’s face was crooked and distorted, almost like the warping of light during a spaceship’s jump. The same pattern that appeared fierce and wild on Ling Xiao’s face looked like eels and tadpoles on Ying Feng’s face. If it weren’t explained beforehand, no one would recognize that they were meant to be symmetrical designs.

Ying Feng, who had mentally prepared himself, didn’t comment upon seeing it. He even pretended not to hear Ling Xiao’s suggestion to wash it off.

“Let’s leave it like this and take a photo.”

“Wait, are you serious?”

The Elder Wolf King was taken aback upon seeing them. “My Lord, are you sure you want to be photographed looking like this? Your photo will hang in the exhibition hall for our tribe to admire. This might undermine your dignity…”

Ying Feng replied, “Dignity is not established by appearances. Let it be.”

The Elder Wolf King had no choice but to instruct the photographer to avoid a certain angle as much as possible, capturing the first joint portrait of the Tianxiu Wolf King and his Queen in the tribe.

After comparing his photo with those of previous Wolf Kings, Ling Xiao finally deduced something.

“I know why the Black Wolf chose me.”

People around him became attentive.

“Didn’t you say they’ve known Jing Yu since they were kids, learned combat skills from him, and even idolized him?”

The Elder Wolf King nodded. “Yes.”

“The Wolf Tribe people are generally taller than us. Even the shorter ones have a more robust physique.”

“Jing Yu, being a Tianxiu, is considered petite both in height and build to the Wolf Tribe. Given that he’s a man, it’s no wonder the Black Wolf said he preferred smaller-built males. I’m the closest in resemblance to Jing Yu here. He simply saw me as his childhood idol.”

Realizing this, the Elder Wolf King had an epiphany.

“If he hadn’t chosen you, we wouldn’t have discovered the secret of the Lone Star. The reason he chose you is also because of the Lone Star.” Ying Feng mused. “Everything happens for a reason. Every event that seems random is actually inevitable.”

Ling Xiao sighed regretfully. “I thought it was because I’m handsome.”

Seeing Ying Feng’s stern look, he quickly added, “I’m kidding. Didn’t a lot of female wolves take a liking to you too?”

Ying Feng slowly moved his hand towards Ling Xiao’s neck, intending to teach him a lesson, when a commotion arose outside.

“What’s going on?”

A man reported, “There’s a thief caught outside.”

Ling Xiao quickly slipped away from Ying Feng’s grasp and went outside, only to find the thief was someone they knew. Luoluo looked even more disheveled than the day before, covered in dirt, grass, and leaves. He had been caught red-handed and was brought over, roughed up a bit in the process, with a swelling at the corner of his mouth.

Everyone made way as Ling Xiao approached, knowing well the Tianxiu Tribe’s protective stance towards children. “It’s you again?” Ling Xiao bent down, looking at Luoluo’s hand. “Did you steal food again?”

Luoluo tried hiding his hand behind him, but Ling Xiao caught it. He was clutching a few strands of grass in his small hands. This seemingly unimpressive plant seemed more precious to him than food, and he refused to let go.

The gardener stepped forward to explain. “He was caught in the garden of the palace. We just discovered a small hole in a concealed corner. Smaller wolves can crawl through that hole. He has been using it to sneak in and out of the garden. It’s not his first-time stealing things. This particular herb has been plucked several times before. I’ve been trying to find out who was doing it, and today I finally caught him.”

“But what use do you have for this herb?”

Luoluo still held hostility towards Ling Xiao and hesitated for a while before reluctantly saying, “To treat my mother’s illness.”

So that was the reason. “If you need herbs in the future, just come and pick them; no need to steal.”

Luoluo’s eyes widened, unsure if he heard correctly.

“This is our tribe’s Wolf Queen,” someone quickly explained to him.

Luoluo stared at the pattern on Ling Xiao’s face; it indeed made him look more like a local.

Ling Xiao leaned in and whispered, “I used to steal things when I was young too.”

The distance between them seemed to close instantly. Luoluo no longer found him intimidating. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Was it to treat your mother?”

“I don’t have a mother.”

“So you’re even more pitiable than me?”

“People from where I come from don’t have fathers or mothers…”

Ling Xiao took Luoluo’s hand and walked away, leaving the gardener looking helplessly towards Ying Feng.

“Just do as he says.”

Shachi Bo had gone through great effort to transport the damaged Thunder Wolf mech from a neighboring tribe and had even invited a well-known mech family from the area to advise him.

From afar, upon seeing Ling Xiao with a child, Shachi Bo waved him over.

“Entered the bridal chamber yesterday and already have such a big kid today? Tianxiu people’s pace is as fast as light!”

Ling Xiao kicked him. “What are you up to?”

Looking next to Shachi Bo, he saw another familiar face. “Didn’t you say you couldn’t stand him?” It was the man who had lent Ling Xiao the mech that day.

Shachi Bo quickly gestured for him to stop. “I paid a lot to get him here. Let’s not bring up old issues.”

The man inspected the Thunder Wolf mech from inside out and concluded, “The central intelligence of your mech is completely damaged. The repair cost would be equivalent to buying a new one.”

Shachi Bo had anticipated this outcome, but hearing it still made him sullen. “I’m willing to buy a new mech, but I’m attached to Thunder Wolf.”

“You have two options. Although its core is damaged, other parts are intact. They can be used in your new mech, greatly enhancing its performance.”

“And the second option?”

“Bind it remotely with the new mech so they share a central system. The old mech’s memories are stored in a chip and can be preserved. The new mech will act as the main control, enhancing its performance, but this option is more expensive.”

Shachi Bo caressed the wolf’s head. “Thunder Wolf has been with me for years. I consider it family. Even if it can’t fight anymore, having it as a pet by my side is enough. Let’s proceed with the second option.”

“I must mention in advance that supporting two mechs simultaneously will reduce the central system’s lifespan. If it was originally a hundred years, after the modification, it would be around seventy. Consider this carefully.”

“For Thunder Wolf, I’m willing.”

Shachi Bo reached an agreement with the mech family representative and noticed Ling Xiao lost in thought.

“What’s wrong?” he asked out of curiosity.

Ling Xiao jolted back. “Oh, nothing.”

Looking down, Luoluo gazed at him, equally puzzled.

To divert attention, Ling Xiao playfully pinched his face.

“Where were we? Taking you to see the Wolf King’s palace, right?”

Luoluo nodded excitedly. “Yes!”

For him, that place was full of mystery.

“Let’s go.” Ling Xiao led him away, occasionally glancing back.

If preserved this way, would the Thunder Wolf still truly be the Thunder Wolf?

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 85

Unexpectedly, he met a familiar face on an alien planet. Even though they had never met, he had a sense of familiarity towards this person. Ling Xiao gently touched the face in the photo. “Even though I’ve met you, it feels like I’ve met you a thousand times.”

He looked up. “I didn’t expect to meet you here.” It was his first time seeing the Lone Star today, but the familiar feeling lingered.

“Before the arrival of the Tianxiu Wolf King, due to sovereignty issues, we often had conflicts with the surrounding tribes. It was the Tianxiu Wolf King who resolved the issue of those trying to annex us. That’s why the people in our tribe are so loyal to him. Now, although we are just a small tribe with just over a thousand people, we are recognized as a nation by the coalition government. Your status as king and queen is genuine, and on this planet, it is recognized everywhere.”

Ling Xiao’s attention was fixated on the photo. Just like the Lone Star he had imagined, Jing Yu had a cold and distant demeanor, like a planet without an orbit. There were other planets around him, but he didn’t belong to any planetary system. He didn’t revolve around any star, nor did any satellite revolve around him; he was still amidst all movement.

“Do you feel like you’ve seen this person before—like he looks familiar?” Ling Xiao couldn’t help but ask.

“No.”

“I always feel he looks like someone…” Ling Xiao tried hard to recall and suddenly exclaimed, “Don’t you think he looks a bit like you?”

Ying Feng and the Elder Wolf King looked at each other, trying to find similarities between the two. After a close comparison, Ying Feng was convinced that Ling Xiao’s face blindness had struck again.

“Where is the resemblance?”

“I’m not talking about appearance, but demeanor, temperament… No, that’s not right either. I can’t pinpoint it, but there’s something in their souls that feels similar. I’ve had this feeling before.” He searched his memory. “Like when I saw the statue of the founding marshal at the history museum.”

The Elder Wolf King hesitated. “If we talk about the feeling they give, there is indeed a resemblance between the two, but the Tianxiu Wolf King looks like a teenager, making it hard to compare with the current Wolf King.”

“Maybe it’s just my imagination.” Ling Xiao shook his head. The fleeting feeling vanished before he could grasp it.

“We have a palace built for the Wolf King here. Would you like to see it?”

The word ‘palace’ sounded grand, and Ling Xiao was naturally eager to see it.

“The architectural style here is generally quite primitive. When the old palace needed repairs, we consulted the Tianxiu Wolf King and renovated the outer walls of the palace based on the information he provided. It should be in line with the Tianxiu aesthetic.”

By the time they finished talking, they had arrived at the main entrance of the palace. Ling Xiao was once again taken aback.

As the Elder Wolf King had said, the building was indeed in the style of the Tianxiu, but it looked very much like the church they had visited. More accurately, it was consistent with the aesthetics of the Tianxiu religious world.

After all, they were just a small tribe. The so-called palace was just a bit more lavish than other buildings, but their effort was evident. They had given their best to their king.

Inside the “palace”, it wasn’t like the church. Still, traces of the Tianxiu culture were everywhere—their maps, their insignia, bas-reliefs of the Soul Tree and lighthouse… It was like a full display of Tianxiu culture on another planet.

“This is the master bedroom, designed for the Wolf King and Queen to rest. But since the Queen has never been here, the room has always been empty. I have my own home, so I don’t stay here.”

The bedroom was spacious with a huge double bed, elegantly decorated.

“Where did the Wolf King stay when he came?”

“He stayed in the small bedroom next door. I’ll take you there.”

Opening the next door, Ling Xiao felt like he had stepped into another space. A small bedroom, two chairs side by side in front of a table, slightly crowded bunk beds, and neatly arranged books on the shelves. It was a spitting image of the small room in the church.

“Everything here was arranged by the Tianxiu Wolf King. The furniture was crafted based on the pictures he provided. The books were brought from Tianxiu. It’s because of these books that I got to know more about the Tianxiu people.”

Ling Xiao didn’t know how to react, as if something was strongly lodged in his throat. The Lone Star had cloned a home for himself and Ling Xing on Wolf Star. Perhaps his intention was that one day, when Ling Xing could overcome the soul traction, he could take him to walk among the stars, to see the landscapes he had seen, share his territories, and make him feel familiar even on an alien planet… But that day never came.

“Behind the sleeping palace, there’s a garden. Please follow me this way.”

They passed through winding corridors, and a garden that contrasted greatly with the wild nature of the planet appeared before them. Flowers bloomed in profusion, with bees and butterflies dancing around. The air was filled with a pleasant aroma.

“The Tianxiu Wolf King likes to bring seeds from everywhere. Some plants come from very distant planets, and we haven’t even heard their names. Every time he came, he would bring a lot of seeds. Sometimes, even if he didn’t come in person, he would send the seeds via interstellar express.” The Elder Wolf King proudly explained, “Although our country is small, I guarantee that we have the most diverse collection of plants on the entire planet.”

Ling Xiao entered the sea of flowers, surrounded by vivid colors. Emotions he had previously hidden surged out of him.

It was as if a pebble was thrown into a bottle of water, causing the water level to rise uncontrollably until it overflowed.

This was an emotion called being moved. As he inhaled the pollen, this feeling took root in him, bringing tears to his eyes.

Unbeknownst to him, Ling Xiao’s eyes were filled with tears.

Ying Feng approached, instinctively wiping away a tear from Ling Xiao’s eyes, but more tears quickly replaced the ones wiped away.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know.” Ling Xiao desperately wiped his eyes, looking around. “I just feel so moved. Who says a Lone Star doesn’t have emotions? In places where Ling Xing can’t see, he built a nation for him.”

This nation will belong to you, your name recorded in their history books. Everywhere you look will be your territory, and the citizens will serve you. They will deeply know and worship your god, even tattooing its image on their skin, passing it down from generation to generation.

Seeing the Elder Wolf King looking at him with puzzlement, Ling Xiao felt embarrassed for his emotional outburst. “I’m sorry. I just think that if Ling Xing saw all this, he would react the same way I did.”

He sounded somewhat dejected. “I don’t know why, but I have a feeling Ling Xing doesn’t know about this. The Lone Star isn’t someone who would brag about his actions. But I don’t understand. Why would he do so much for someone and not let them know?”

“I think I understand,” Ying Feng chimed in. “He just wanted to do it for the sake of doing it. Whether the other person knows about it or not, it doesn’t matter to him.”

He too looked around. “But if one day the other person does find out by chance, I believe they’d be as moved as you.”

The sun set, and the sky grew dark. The first firework exploded overhead.

“The celebration has begun.” The Elder Wolf King looked up.

“What celebration?”

“The celebration of the birth of the new king and queen.”

“Weren’t we just there for that?”

“That was just the coronation. The real celebration for the people of Wolf Star begins after sunset.”

From a distance, a long howl echoed, followed by a second and a third. The howls merged together, forming a unique song of the land.

Ling Xiao and the others returned to the square from the palace. The place was bustling with activity. People dressed in their finest clothes danced around the bonfires.

When the tribe saw their new king and queen, they rushed over, competing to toast them. The Wolf Star people were known for their spicy and strong alcohol, which burned the throat upon drinking.

“To the Wolf King!” The lead person raised his cup.

“To the Wolf King!” everyone shouted in unison.

Ling Xiao drank what felt like his umpteenth cup of strong liquor, feeling warmth rising from his stomach.

Shachi Bo took the opportunity to toast, and Ling Xiao excitedly hooked the other’s neck.

“Can your Thunder Wolf drink? Can it?”

Shachi Bo, already tipsy, grinned and shook his head.

“No, how can a mech drink alcohol?”

“But I can,” he stammered, looking at the swaying figure of Shachi Bo in front of him. “So I’m human, I am.”

“You’re not,” Shachi Bo retorted with a giggly laugh. “You can’t even activate the mech.”

“I am! I insist I am!”

Shachi Bo wagged his finger, also swaying unsteadily.

“Do you know? I was once mocked by an intelligent mainframe. She said you have emotions, but how do you know your emotions weren’t set by a higher-level intelligent being?”

Shachi Bo laughed heartily without giving face. “You were set up, hahaha.”

“But I know I wasn’t, because I believe my current feelings are real. My happiness is real, my sadness is real, and my affection for someone is the same as yours.”

Shachi Bo squinted at the starry sky. The clouds dispersed, revealing a bright round moon.

Ling Xiao jumped onto a protruding rock, spread his arms, and made an embracing gesture. “I am human!”

“Aw—woo—”

A group of wolves transformed under the full moon, their howls echoing, audible for miles.

Ling Xiao cupped his hands to his mouth, excitedly imitating the wolf howl. His voice, mixed with the genuine wolf cries, stood out awkwardly.

Ying Feng, with a stern face, pulled him off the rock. “Drink less.”

Drowsily, Ling Xiao saw Ying Feng and clung to him like a big pendant, mumbling something unintelligible.

“Wolf King.” The Elder Wolf King approached. “Do you intend to stay here for long?”

“No.” Ying Feng shifted the bothersome Ling Xiao downward, and Ling Xiao discontentedly snuggled back up. “We are here for an internship. Once it’s over, we’ll leave.”

“In that case, you need to choose a proxy Wolf King. In your absence, he will take your place, just like the previous Tianxiu Wolf King.”

Ying Feng nodded, summoning the previous Wolf King who had won before.

“Do you want to be the Wolf King?”

The black-haired man stood tall. “My father was once the king of this tribe, but he was sacrificed due to tribal conflicts. One day, I will carry on his legacy.”

“I don’t understand your lineage, but if I hadn’t appeared, you would have become the king of this tribe,” Ying Feng handed him the scepter symbolizing the Wolf King’s identity, “so I appoint you as the proxy Wolf King to govern this tribe.”

The man paused, then solemnly accepted it, lips sealed without a word.

Ling Xiao suddenly sobered up. Seeing the black-haired man, he waved his hand aggressively. “You need to take responsibility. You have to!”

After speaking, he immediately dozed off again, leaving the proxy Wolf King looking somewhat embarrassed.

“I don’t understand your customs, so I won’t interfere in your personal matters,” Ying Feng continued, changing his tone. “But the next time I come, I want to see you obtain his forgiveness. That’s my first order as the Wolf King.”

The man hesitated, eventually replying, “Understood.”

The Elder Wolf King stepped forward. “It seems the Wolf Queen can’t hold his liquor. The master bedroom in the palace has been empty for years. You can rest there.”

“Got it.” Ying Feng, dragging Ling Xiao away, paused and turned back to remind. “Don’t call him Wolf Queen anymore.”

“Then…”

“His name is Ling Xiao.”

……

Although the master bedroom had not been inhabited for many years, it was tidily maintained, with a mattress so soft that one could sink into it.

Ying Feng laid Ling Xiao on the bed. The saliva from their bond slowly sobered Ling Xiao from his drunken state.

“Where is this?” His consciousness cleared a bit, realizing he was lying on a soft bed, surrounded by luxurious dark red and gold decorations.

“The main bedroom of the palace.”

“The one the Lone Star prepared for Ling Xing?” Ling Xiao vaguely recalled. Ying Feng’s kiss pressed down on him again. After a moment of intimacy, Ling Xiao spoke again. “They never got to enjoy it, but we are taking advantage. I feel a bit guilty towards them.”

“Inheritance.” The word suddenly came from Ying Feng’s mouth.

“What?”

“Someone just told me he wanted to carry on his father’s legacy. This is their lineage.”

He lifted Ling Xiao’s hand, kissing gently from the fingertips downward.

“We don’t have relatives, but we have souls. The reincarnation of the soul is like the continuation of bloodlines. Their next life can be anyone, even you or me.”

“Each of us is our own predecessor and successor. What the former couldn’t accomplish, the latter continues.”

This is our legacy.

Ying Feng’s fingers intertwined with Ling Xiao’s; their hands locked tightly together. In this palace prepared by the Lone Star for Ling Xing, they continued the desires the pair couldn’t fulfill.

They are no longer in this world.

The Lone Star’s intentions are forever hidden in an unknown place for Ling Xing.

But at least we are here, in the role of their successors, to pass on their story through us.

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 84

Ling Xiao stiffly looked down at the lamb beneath his feet, then at the big black wolf in front of him. Beads of sweat started forming on his forehead.

“What does this mean?!”

Shachi Bo, probably because he’d been with Ling Xiao for a while and became familiar with him, daringly teased, “Congratulations, you’ve caught the eye of the Wolf King. Now you are the Wolf Queen!”

“I just met this guy. How did I catch his eye?!”

Shachi Bo’s expression suggested he was taking some pleasure in Ling Xiao’s misfortune. “Didn’t I tell you when the Wolf King was crowned that if you don’t show proper respect, you’d get targeted?”

Ling Xiao was exasperated. “With all your howling, who knew what you were talking about!”

“And you.” He pointed at the black wolf. “You’ve already had sex with that big white wolf! Who proposes to someone else after the fact?”

Also, Ying Feng didn’t show respect either, so why was it not Ying Feng who caught the Wolf King’s attention? Otherwise, he could have mocked Ying Feng for a lifetime!

When he turned his head, sure enough, Ying Feng’s face was as dark as the big black wolf.

The black wolf gave a long howl, and Shachi Bo quickly translated for Ling Xiao. “He’s asking why you won’t accept his proposal.”

“Because I’m already married.” He gestured to Ying Feng. “He is my—my…”

Ling Xiao was thinking hard. The other party didn’t understand the term ‘Qizhu’. He needed to use a term they would understand.

“…My Wolf Queen!” That should be easily understood by the wolf-humanoid.

Just when Ling Xiao was proud of himself for bridging the communication gap between the two races, Ying Feng’s face turned even darker. He subtly moved a step forward, shielding Ling Xiao half behind him, a clear gesture of claiming territory, easily understood regardless of species difference.

The black wolf transformed, turning back into a tall man with black hair, his eyes radiating an indistinct aura of both good and evil. “Yours?”

This was the first time Ling Xiao heard the Wolf King speak in human language. His voice was hoarse, like a low sound produced by rough sand grinding.

Ying Feng didn’t answer, but the outcome was clear.

The Wolf King slightly lifted his chin and sniffed the air. “You do carry his scent…”

Ling Xiao: ??

He quickly sniffed his arm. Ying Feng’s scent is on him? Why couldn’t he detect it?

“…But you don’t carry his mark. This only proves you two share a bed, not that you’re officially bonded.”

Sharing a bed without being bonded? No wonder he abandoned the white wolf. But what was this mark? Ling Xiao asked Shachi Bo for clarification.

“In our culture, married females have a prominent mark on them to let males know they’re taken, so they won’t be harassed.” Shachi Bo showed various married females, either with tattoos on their faces or earrings, clearly indicating their marital status.

“Single females can’t have any marks on them.” He pointed to a group of young and beautiful girls, who flirtatiously glanced at Ling Xiao.

“Though there are many tribes on Wolf Star with slight variations in customs, this particular custom remains constant,” Shachi Bo concluded, completely taking on the role of a guide.

Ling Xiao understood that part, but the crucial issue wasn’t about the mark. He fundamentally differed from those females.

“I’m not a girl!”

Even if the beings on this planet had a vague concept of gender, it didn’t mean they couldn’t distinguish male from female. He looked nothing like a girl!

The Wolf King remained stoic. “I have a preference for males with petite frames.”

Petite frame…

Feeling belittled, Ling Xiao rested his head on Ying Feng’s back, wanting to cry without tears.

By stature standards on their home planet, he’d be among the taller ones, yet here on Wolf Star, he was called ‘petite’. Even if the one speaking towered over him by thirty centimeters, Ling Xiao wasn’t ready to accept that label.

Shachi Bo kindly reminded him, “If a female is married, even the Wolf King can’t force her. But the Wolf King can choose any unmarried female as his mate within his tribe, and she can’t refuse.”

“That’s basically a bully clause!” Ling Xiao counted with his fingers. “Firstly, I’m already married. Secondly, I’m not from your tribe or even your planet. Lastly, I’m not female! How many times do I have to say it?”

“But there’s a saying: ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’…” Shachi Bo’s voice trailed off as Ying Feng gave him a sharp look. Terrified, he swallowed the rest of his words. Those black-eyed beings were truly intimidating.

“He’s mine,” Ying Feng said coldly. “Take your sheep away.”

The Wolf King showed no intention of leaving. “Do you defy the Wolf King? What happens if one refuses to obey the Wolf King’s orders?”

Shachi Bo clenched his fist. “Only by defeating the Wolf King will it work.”

“Did you hear?” He arrogantly raised his head, not taking seriously the dwarf who dared to provoke him.

“Just defeating you is enough?”

Before the Wolf King could fully understand the meaning of that sentence, he inexplicably flew out, falling hard in the center of the arena. No one saw how Ying Feng made his move, except for Ling Xiao. It seemed as if the Wolf King had just been thrown out for no reason.

Ling Xiao hurriedly held onto Ying Feng. “Show some restraint when you act.”

Ying Feng raised an eyebrow. “You’re pitying him?”

Ling Xiao responded seriously, “You moved too fast; others couldn’t see that it was you who struck. How can you prove it was you who defeated him? Take it slow.”

During their chat, the Wolf King on the ground finally coughed out. Ying Feng’s strike had nearly suffocated him. This man was terrifying. In his memory, only one person could do such a thing…

“Are you… a person of Tianxiu?” he panted, holding his chest.

“Yes.” Ying Feng’s quiet voice dropped another bombshell in the crowd. Strangely, this time only a few ran away. Many stayed.

Ling Xiao, as if discovering something new, pulled Ying Feng aside. “Look at him!”

Although the Wolf King had always been half-naked, Ling Xiao had never noticed the tattoo pattern on his waist. From a certain angle, he recognized the symbol resembling that of the Tianxiu religion, which he had seen in the church and on the bishop’s robes.

“This, do you believe in the Tianxiu religion?” Ling Xiao pointed to the Wolf King’s tattoo.

Despite lying on the ground, the Wolf King’s aura remained strong. “We, the great wolves, believe in the sacred Mother Earth.”

“Why do you have the Tianxiu religious symbol on you then?”

After the Wolf King had answered Ling Xiao’s question, he was visibly drained. In order not to appear defeated or embarrassed, he quietly closed his eyes to gather himself, deliberately ignoring the following question.

“Countdown! 60, 59…”

Ling Xiao was startled. What?

“…3, 2, 1! No new challengers, a new Wolf King emerges!” the announcer declared loudly.

Cheers erupted. Ling Xiao stared dumbfounded at Ying Feng.

“New Wolf King? Who?”

“Of course it’s him,” Shachi Bo jumped out, trying to please the new Wolf King. The female wolves, who were previously surrounding the Black Wolf, now flocked to Ying Feng with admiring eyes, teasing him with their fluffy bodies.

“Hey! You were just flirting with someone else! This switch happened too fast!” Ling Xiao clumsily shooed away these animals, understanding how Ying Feng felt earlier. Who would like others courting their partner?

Seeing Ling Xiao struggling, Ying Feng walked to the corner, picked up a trembling lamb, and placed it in Ling Xiao’s arms. This obvious mating gesture made some female wolves reluctantly leave, but a few confident ones still lingered.

Ling Xiao chuckled, touching the lamb’s fur. The mixture of a lamb’s smell and milky scent was perhaps the most magical gift a person from Tianxiu could receive.

“Don’t bother the new Wolf King. He’s already married. Tianxiu people don’t mark their bodies, but their eyes are proof.”

Ling Xiao looked over to see a gray-haired wolf man slowly standing up, silencing many.

A female wolf transformed into a woman. “Elder Wolf King, the former Wolf King said they were just bedmates, not mates, and he’s male. He can’t reproduce.”

The Elder Wolf King, not actually old but considered so because Wolf Kings were typically in their prime, spoke with authority from his thirty years of reign. “Child, Tianxiu people are different. Once they engage with someone, they’re committed, both physically and mentally, equivalent to being official mates. It doesn’t matter whether their partner is male or female.”

Hearing this, the lingering female wolves finally left.

The wolves gathered in a circle, howling in celebration of their new Wolf King’s ascension.

“But he’s from Tianxiu. Is it really okay for him to be the Wolf King?” Ling Xiao asked.

The Elder Wolf King smiled cryptically. “Weren’t you curious about the tattoo?”

“Yes, it’s the Tianxiu symbol.”

The Elder Wolf King revealed his bare chest to show a similar religious symbol tattooed on it.

“What’s going on?” Ling Xiao couldn’t be more surprised.

“Didn’t you notice that the people of our tribe don’t fear the Tianxiu people like other tribes do?”

Indeed, the way the people avoided them earlier was still fresh in Ling Xiao’s memory. Yet, this tribe treated them just like regular folks.

“That’s because the Wolf King before me was a Tianxiu person.”

Ling Xiao opened his mouth in astonishment.

“All my knowledge about the Tianxiu people comes from the books he brought. I can even speak a few phrases in Tianxiu dialect.” After saying this, he uttered a few sentences. Although his pronunciation was a bit rough, it was clearly their language.

“So the tattoos on you all…”

“Were inked based on the designs he brought. Those patterns were quite popular in our tribe back then.”

Ling Xiao glanced subconsciously at the dark-haired man on the ground, who was now struggling to sit up. The Elder Wolf King seemed to know what Ling Xiao was thinking. “When the Tianxiu Wolf King was in power, they were just kids. He occasionally taught them some Tianxiu combat techniques. The kids adored him.”

By ‘they’, he was referring to the Black Wolf and White Wolf. Growing up together, training together, and clashing over the position of the Wolf King was not uncommon here.

The black-haired man turned his head away, seemingly embarrassed by these childhood revelations.

A Tianxiu person being the Wolf King of the Wolf tribe—this was truly an astonishing discovery.

“Where is he now?”

The Elder Wolf King shook his head. “During his reign, he would come maybe two or three times a year. I was his designated proxy. About thirty years ago, he appeared for the last time and has never returned since. We have no idea of his whereabouts.”

‘Has he reincarnated?’ Ling Xiao wondered.

“What did he look like?”

“Unlike you all, his eyes were a deep gray.”

Ling Xiao was stunned. “A fledgling? That’s impossible!”

“We have photographs of every Wolf King in our royal archives. Would you like to see?”

“Yes!” Ling Xiao replied without hesitation, suddenly remembering the lamb he was holding. He handed the lamb to the dark-haired man. “Give this to White Wolf.”

The lamb, sensing the strong wolf scent on him, trembled even more, struggling to escape.

The short-reigned Wolf King, confused by Ling Xiao’s actions, looked puzzled.

“What are you looking at! You’ve got responsibilities now. Go and apologize!” Seeing the man’s reluctance, Ling Xiao threatened. “This is an order from the Wolf King! If someone doesn’t want to follow the Wolf King’s order, what should be done?”

Shachi Bo quickly replied, “Only by defeating the Wolf King can one defy him!”

“You’re not the Wolf King,” the dark-haired man rasped.

“You can’t even beat me, let alone the Wolf King.” Ling Xiao pretended to strike. “Now go!”

The dark-haired man had no choice but to transform back into his wolf form, carrying the lamb in his mouth as he approached the White Wolf. The White Wolf clearly didn’t want to accept the lamb and tried to dodge and walk away upon seeing him.

“Roar!” The Black Wolf howled fiercely, causing the lamb to drop from his mouth with a thud onto the ground.

“Give it properly!”

“Roar, roar.” The Black Wolf’s voice reluctantly softened. He nudged the lamb, which was still alive, with his snout, pushing it closer to the White Wolf.

Only then did the White Wolf grudgingly accept it, his dark, shiny almond eyes looking around but avoiding the Black Wolf’s gaze.

Thinking of these unruly individuals being under Ying Feng’s command, Ling Xiao felt a headache coming on.

“Take us to see the portrait of the former Wolf King now.”

The Elder Wolf King nodded, but in reality, it should be the former former Wolf King if you count the unlucky guy who held the position for just ten minutes.

Under his guidance, Ling Xiao and Ying Feng arrived at the tribe’s gallery, where the portraits of each Wolf King were hung solemnly on the walls.

“It’s this one.” The Old Wolf King pointed to one of the portraits.

Upon seeing the photograph, Ling Xiao couldn’t shift his gaze, murmuring to himself, “It’s actually is a fledgling…”

Ying Feng also looked up at the portrait, equally surprised in his heart.

“A fledgling that can leave the primary academy, leave Tianxiu. This is absurd… Doesn’t he have a soul traction?”

Ling Xiao urgently grabbed the Elder Wolf King. “Did he show any abnormalities? Like feeling unwell?”

“No.” The old Wolf King shook his head. “His health was excellent.”

“A fledgling that can travel to other planets without a soul traction… I thought of someone.”

“So did I,” Ying Feng added.

“Are we thinking of the same person?” Ling Xiao turned to the Elder Wolf King. “Is his name Gu Xing*?”

*Lone Star.

“No,” The other party answered straightforwardly. “The name of the Tianxiu Wolf King was Jing Yu.”

Not Gu Xing? Ling Xiao was puzzled. Who is this Jing Yu?

“I get it,” Ying Feng said after a brief thought, forming a hypothesis.

“What?” Ling Xiao asked.

“Gu Xing is a generic term for those with the ancestral return phenomenon. Before we knew he was Gu Xing, he would always have his own name.”

“Yes!” Ling Xiao had an epiphany. “How did I not think of that?”

He asked the Elder Wolf King, “Is there anything else that can prove his identity?”

The Elder Wolf King thought for a moment. “Would a picture of the Wolf Queen suffice?”

“A fledgling had a Wolf Queen?”

“Since the Wolf King took so long to choose a consort, the ladies never gave up. Eventually, the Wolf King got impatient and dismissed them with a photo. I remember his words very clearly at the time. ‘If you absolutely must have a Wolf Queen, then take this one.’ So even though the photo of the Wolf Queen is in the tribal royal genealogy, we’ve never seen the Wolf Queen herself. To this day, I think he just couldn’t stand being harassed and simply picked a photo to appease the ladies.”

“Where is that photo now?”

The Old Wolf King flipped through the archives under the Wolf King’s portrait, and the first page displayed the Wolf Queen’s photo.

Upon seeing this photo, Ling Xiao and Ying Feng’s speculations were confirmed.

It was Ling Xing.

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 83

Ling Xiao’s humanoid mech was twice the size of Thunder Wolf’s. Looking at its appearance, he seemed to have all the advantages.

Sitting in the cockpit, he put on the sensing helmet but felt no change, raising doubts in Ling Xiao’s mind.

As the arena master stepped into the wolf mech, its eyes glowed green, and its right paw was slowly scratching the ground, ready to pounce.

An assistant raised his right arm. “Ready—”

“Wait!” Ling Xiao shouted, but no one heard him.

“Begin!”

With that command, the wolf mech lunged forward, fiercely colliding with the humanoid mech Ling Xiao was controlling. The humanoid mech didn’t dodge and was pushed back several steps.

“What’s happening?” People murmured. Even if you can’t dodge, you should at least have the instinct to avoid. Who would just let the opponent charge at them?

With his successful attack, the arena master launched several more attacks. Ling Xiao didn’t even retaliate and just stood there like a stationary target.

The situation was one-sided, disappointing the spectators. Only the arena master was secretly delighted: This 10,000 wolf coins prize was too easy.

In the other cockpit, Ling Xiao was also anxious. Wasn’t it said that brainwave operations could automatically detect consciousness? No matter what he thought, the mech reacted like a piece of junk. Could it be a trick?

The wolf mech’s mechanical mouth opened and closed, surprisingly speaking in a human voice.

“Pretty boy, you’re not that impressive, yet you dare mock others?”

A vein popped on Ling Xiao’s forehead. You’re the one who looks dark, yet you call me a pretty boy*?

*Clarity: He’s calling Ling Xiao little white face (小白脸) which is a colloquialism referring to someone who is young, good-looking, and often effeminate (sometimes this word could refer to someone as a gigolo). Ling Xiao is pointing out the irony since the guy is dark-skinned yet calling him “little white face”.

“Hey! Aren’t you supposed to be an intelligent mech? React!” He yelled.

But the mech remained silent.

“You’re so boring to fight with. Let’s end this battle now.”

The wolf mech launched a fierce attack on Ling Xiao, spewing flames from its mouth. This strike was meant to utterly destroy its opponent. Even the pilot inside was in grave danger. Nobody expected such a ruthless move, and gasps of shock came from the crowd.

However, at the critical moment, the door of the humanoid mech suddenly opened, and a shadow darted out, flying into the air. Along with him was a crystal-like gem that shone brilliantly in the sunlight.

People unanimously looked up. Many were blinded by the light, some shielding their eyes. The shadow caught the crystal midair, and rays of white light emanated from his palm. With this light, he descended from the sky, splitting the wolf’s head in two with his bare hand.

On one side was the solid metal machine, and on the other was an unarmed man. The arena master rolled out of his cockpit, sitting paralyzed on the ground, his face showing utter terror. His expression looked as if he had encountered a monster.

“Monster, monster, monster…”

Meanwhile, Ling Xiao on the ground was examining his hand. Although the soul crystal had activated, it only exerted ninety percent of its energy. It seemed that away from the home planet, even mental power would be diminished. Venturing further away, the power would weaken further until it disappeared entirely.

He returned the mech’s control button to the kind stranger.

“Thank you for the mech, but I seem unable to control it.”

The man looked puzzled. “Our mechs are flawless. Any human, even aliens, can easily activate it. If you can’t control it with your mind… Unless you’re dead.”

With those words, the surrounding area cleared out. Ling Xiao looked around. The crowd that had been gathered around was now ten meters away, cautiously watching him.

Ling Xiao found it amusing. How could he possibly be dead?

Even the arena master and his assistant had retreated far away. Only an elder remained at the scene.

“That’s not necessarily true,” the elder said. The middle-aged man quickly approached, respectfully calling out, “Dad.”

“Those who can’t operate a mech using brainwaves, aside from the dead, are also the Tianxiu people.” The elder’s gaze scrutinized Ling Xiao. “Young man, if I’m not mistaken, you are a Tianxiu person, right?”

Upon his words, every single spectator vanished into thin air. Ling Xiao looked around in astonishment. The once crowded square was now eerily empty.

“Heh, it seems I was right.” The elder stroked his beard. “If that’s the case, calling you a young man was presumptuous. Tianxiu people don’t show age; you might even be older than this old man.”

“Can I know why?” Ling Xiao asked. “Why can’t we operate the mechs?”

“Because intelligent mechs capture the brainwaves of true living beings. Even a bird or a dog emits biological brain waves. But if the object was a stone, even the most intelligent mech wouldn’t know what the stone wanted to do.”

He sighed, looking at the wreckage of the wolf mech. “The mechs our family produces are among the best on this planet. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, our mechs are easily defeated in front of you, unless we can give life to the mechs. Otherwise…”

He shook his head, signaling the middle-aged man to collect the mech debris.

“I bid you farewell.”

Watching the two leave, Ling Xiao suddenly remembered that he had left something behind.

The arena master, who had claimed that even the Tianxiu people were no match for him, had hurriedly fled, leaving his so-called spoils of war on the ground. The dagger had fallen out of its box.

Ling Xiao walked over and picked up the dagger along with the box, then let out a puzzled sound. “Huh?”

Before he could say more, he felt something coming from behind him. But as he quickly turned around, the “weapon” that attacked him had already been knocked away by Ying Feng.

Looking down, Ling Xiao saw a half-eaten chicken leg on the ground. Luoluo stood a few meters away, empty-handed. Although he was shaking with fear, he still glared at them with anger.

Even though he had been unwilling to let go of the stolen spoils when he was about to get beaten, now he threw it without a second thought. Ling Xiao was utterly confused by his actions.

“Tianxiu people are devils! They’re bad! They’re murderers!”

The tiny boy, unable to even withstand the cold, shouted at a volume many times louder than an adult’s.

Ling Xiao took a step forward. Immediately, a woman came forward, shielding Luoluo behind her. Although she too was trembling, she stubbornly refused to move aside.

“Please, he’s just a child. He doesn’t understand…”

The woman was on the verge of tears. Her eyes were full of pleading and emotions that those from Tianxiu, who didn’t have mothers or fathers, would understand.

Ling Xiao halted. Luoluo, from behind, pushed his mother, constantly calling out, “Mom, mom…”

Ling Xiao’s emotions were mixed. Ying Feng made a stopping gesture, and the mother’s gaze shifted from Ling Xiao to Ying Feng, her shaking intensifying.

Black-eyed Tianxiu people were perceived as more terrifying than gray-eyed ones. It was common knowledge amongst them.

Seeing that Ling Xiao and Ying Feng weren’t approaching, the mother cautiously retreated. Once she felt safe, she swiftly carried her child and ran away, leaving the two of them behind.

“Mom… mom…?”

Ling Xiao repeated these words, which were foreign to him. He knew the meaning of the term at the base, but it wasn’t until now that he understood its significance.

Monsters, devils, villains, murderers, scarier than the dead… Before leaving Tianxiu, he didn’t know that other races perceived him in such a light.

Ying Feng suddenly walked briskly in a direction, and in no time, he pulled out the arena master, who was hiding and peeking from behind a wall.

Seeing him, Ling Xiao grew angry. “Why did you deceive people with this fake item?”

He threw the dagger in front of him. Even though it was a perfect imitation, its weight was off. As a Tianxiu being, how could he not recognize it?

The arena master stammered. “I’m… I’m sorry. I’ve never met a Tianxiu, let alone defeated one.”

“If you can make a living from this, it means you’re skilled. Why involve the Tianxiu?”

“Because it makes me seem more impressive. Once I show the dagger, everyone gets scared. More people challenge me, and the fees I collect are higher…” The arena master was almost on his knees. “Please, let me go. I won’t do this anymore. My mech is ruined. I will retire and repent.”

Ling Xiao glanced at the split mech on the ground and his anger slightly subsided.

“Return my registration fee.”

“Of… Of course…” The man hastily offered the fee.

From a distance, the howls of a wolf pack echoed. They knew that wolves howled, but it was daytime. Even if they had the language chip of the wolf star, it couldn’t translate the howls of animals. Could it be that the wolf beings were notifying each other that there were Tianxiu people here and planning to attack them?

“Hey, what’s your name?”

“Me?” The arena master was about to run but got halted. “My name is Shachi Bo.”

“Shachi Bo, what does that howling mean?”

Shachi Bo listened closely. “It’s… the Wolf King selection!”

“Wolf King selection?”

“We have two ways to elect a new Wolf King here. One is when the old Wolf King steps down, and elites challenge each other to decide the new King, which is the Wolf King selection. If someone challenges the ruling Wolf King, it’s called the Wolf King challenge. Judging by their howls, the old Wolf King has stepped down, and they are choosing a new one.”

The Wolf King selection was probably the grandest event on Wolf Star. Having a chance to witness it, Ling Xiao wouldn’t miss it.

“Can you take us there?”

“Huh?”

Ling Xiao pulled out some banknotes. “You said you wanted to retire, right? Here’s a new job for you. Be our guide.”

Holding the money, Shachi Bo lamented, “Brother, this is like asking a sheep to guide a wolf. I’m really not that brave.”

Ling Xiao, under the guidance of Shachi Bo, arrived at the arena. Members of their tribe, along with onlookers, had surrounded the place so tightly that no one could get through.

“Are these the two competing for the title of Wolf King?”

He asked, looking at the two men in the field. One had black hair, the other white. Both were tall and muscular. They were shirtless, displaying muscular physiques, and each had tattoos.

“If no third person challenges, then it should just be these two.”

“Why, with your mechs so popular, does everyone not use them for combat?”

“To compete for the Wolf King, one must rely on their own skills without the aid of any tools. It’s a rule passed down from our ancestors.”

In the field, the two competitors were already fighting fiercely. Unlike the Tianxiu people, who emphasized combat techniques, every move they made was filled with raw power and wildness, entirely based on primal force.

They seemed evenly matched, but as time went on, the one with white hair began to show signs of fatigue. Seizing the opportunity, the black-haired man began to attack relentlessly, with the crowd cheering loudly. To them, it didn’t matter who became the Wolf King. As long as he was strong, anyone could take the position. All they wanted was a good match and a strong leader.

Finally, the white-haired man fell. The black-haired man didn’t intend to stop, raising his foot to stomp on him. In desperation, the white-haired man curled up, exposing his belly, which was clearly a vulnerable spot.

“That position means surrender,” Shachi Bo explained.

“Exposing the belly to an enemy means appeasement. The white-haired one has already lost. But I think the winner won’t stop there.”

Sure enough, the black-haired man hesitated for a moment but then prepared to stomp again. The white-haired man, in response, exposed his wolf ears and tail, wagging it as much as he could.

“See, this is the true surrender. By our rules, once an opponent shows their animal ears and tail, they cannot be attacked anymore.”

Seeing the complete surrender, the black-haired man finally ceased his attack, stepping on the fallen one’s stomach and raising his fist to the audience, causing a round of cheers.

The announcer began the countdown. “If no one challenges within one minute, the new Wolf King will be crowned.”

After a minute with no challengers, the black-haired man became the new king of the tribe. He transformed into a large black wolf, leaped to a stone in the center of the arena, and howled three times, symbolizing his ascension.

All the wolves in the audience transformed and howled excitedly. The white-haired one also transformed into a large white wolf, limping towards the new king and licking his paw as a sign of submission.

The new king surveyed his subjects. Among the pack, Ling Xiao and another person stood out. Realizing he had been watched for a while, Ling Xiao wasn’t sure how to react. Shachi Bo, in his wolf form, nudged Ling Xiao’s head down.

“Hey!” Ling Xiao protested. Why should he bow to a Wolf King? He hadn’t even done such a gesture to his own Qizhu.

Several female wolves jumped into the arena, surrounding the Wolf King, vying for his attention.

Shachi Bo turned back into a human. “Now it’s time to choose the Wolf Queen. Confident girls will come forward, hoping to be chosen. Do you see the lamb?”

Ling Xiao had noticed earlier and wondered why there was a lamb suddenly in the arena.

“Whoever the Wolf King gives the lamb to will be the new queen. The choice of queen is final. Our males are very loyal. Ah, all these beautiful girls…” Shachi Bo drooled a little, looking at the female wolves.

“…” Ling Xiao: ‘I really can’t see how these female wolves are so beautiful!’

The black wolf clearly wasn’t focused on the beautiful girls. As soon as the white wolf took a step back, a threatening howl burst from the black wolf’s mouth. Such a howl made the white wolf involuntarily retreat even further. The black wolf immediately leaped from his throne, pouncing on the other, biting onto its ear.

With his ear caught, the white wolf had no choice but to stand still. The black wolf didn’t let go, instead taking this opportunity to climb onto the back of the white wolf and began thrusting that left Ling Xiao staring in astonishment.

“Ah ah ah—!” Ling Xiao exclaimed, pointing to the center of the arena. In broad daylight, in front of so many eyes. Even if they are just two wolves… But everyone here are wolves! Doing such a thing in public, could the customs of this race be too wild?

Shachi Bo explained nonchalantly, “This is to intimidate a potential rival. Even if they lose, they can challenge the king again. Some new kings will humiliate their opponents, so they won’t dare to challenge again. It’s a way of establishing authority.”

“Using this method to establish authority is a bit…” Ling Xiao found it hard to articulate his feelings.

It was indeed difficult for different races to understand each other. After raping the great white wolf, he still wanted to choose a wolf queen? To the Tianxiu people, who valued purity, having sex with more than one person in a lifetime was truly unthinkable. It was no wonder those porn movies he watched were produced on that scale!

Surrounded by thousands of wolves, the poor lamb trembled. The black wolf, after establishing his dominance, easily caught the lamb and killed it.

The single female wolves perked up, trying to show off their best side to the Wolf King.

After surveying the field, the Wolf King ran directly to Ling Xiao and set the lamb down in front of him.

Ling Xiao: =口=

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 82

In view of their merits of saving the fledgling, the thirty hours of compulsory labor imposed on Ling Xiao’s group were waived. Now, he was at the gene center, waiting for the results of the blood test.

The outcome didn’t look very promising. Heng He frowned at the data displayed on the screen.

“There are remnants of Ember II and various drugs in your blood. Even though the concentrations are minimal, they are highly toxic for test subjects, and I’m afraid you can’t be used for experiments for a while.”

“What do you mean…?”

“We have no choice but to postpone our plans for two weeks. After two weeks, we’ll observe the results again. We must wait until all the drugs in your body have metabolized before we can continue with our experiments.”

This was bad news for the military department and Heng He, but for Ling Xiao, not having to give blood was terrific news.

Good news always seemed to come in threes. The freshman’s first off-campus internship at Royal Sky was about to begin.

“Our academy places great emphasis on practical combat. Every semester, we organize at least one off-campus internship, which accounts for no less than 20% of the end-of-term total score. If you fail the assessment, there’s a chance of being held back. Off-campus internships are vital, as they determine how quickly we can adapt to future combat situations. We hope every student takes this seriously.”

“Sir, what is the content of this year’s internship?” Ling Xiao asked, raising his hand.

Just when everyone thought the answer would be something straightforward, like basic combat training in the wilderness, the instructor gave them a huge surprise.

“Because our battlefields have been expanding over the years, starting from the first year, we train to overcome the soul traction. This year, for our internship, we will go to Wolf Star, which is the closest to Tianxiu, to hone our adaptability.”

Everyone was excited at the idea of having an off-campus internship on another planet.

“I hope you all don’t treat this as a vacation. Everyone’s degree of soul pull varies. Some might feel dizzy or nauseous, some might find it hard to move, and others might have minor reactions. Your physical constitution determines whether you’ll join the national defense force or the expeditionary force in the future. If you want more opportunities to fight, prove your abilities during this internship.”

“The extent of soul traction is greatly influenced by one’s developmental state. If underdeveloped, symptoms will intensify. So for those who are developmentally delayed, please prepare well before departure. Medical personnel will monitor each student. If anyone feels unwell, please report immediately.”

Ling Xiao wasn’t worried about this at all, thinking, ‘There’s a big lecher at home. The instructor doesn’t need to worry about my development.’

“Before heading to Wolf Star, we need to understand its social structure. Wolf Star’s society is different from ours. They have a distinct class hierarchy based on tribes. Everyone belongs to a class. The tribal leaders are called Wolf Kings. Any male Wolf Star resident with the strength can compete for the Wolf King’s position. Below the Wolf King are the male elites, followed by females, average males, and lastly the elderly and disabled. All of their social activities revolve around this class system.”

“The average temperature on Wolf Star is about ten degrees lower than ours, with gravity around 0.9 times that of ours. The school will provide each student with Wolf Star currency and a language chip. Once embedded in a device, this chip will allow us to master the Wolf Star language and communicate with them.”

“For more knowledge about Wolf Star, please utilize the library and internet in your spare time. The main aim of this internship is adaptability, so the school won’t arrange much training. Most of the time, you can engage in free activities. When we aim to conquer a planet, understanding it is part of the preparation.”

Everyone received a chip. Everyone inserted their chips into the terminals, and sounds resembling the language of Wolf Star filled the classroom. Those who didn’t know any better might have thought aliens were invading. The language of Wolf Star sounded deep and tough, while in comparison, the language of Tianxiu was more melodious and pleasant.

Watching Ying Feng receive money while he had nothing, Ling Xiao was irritated. “Why doesn’t a Qizi have personal property?” He wished he had his own pocket money too!

Ying Feng pulled up his social profile without a word. Under the sections labeled “Sovereignty” and “Assets” it read:

Qizi: Ling Xiao

Immovable Property: None

Movable Property: Flying Shark

“What does this mean?”

“It means you’re considered personal property.”

Ling Xiao was taken aback. ‘…Damn it!’

This was a clear distinction between different social classes! Compared to this, Wolf Star seemed like a place of high human rights and freedom!

The date for the off-campus internship finally arrived. Even though the instructor emphasized that it wasn’t a vacation, the students were excited as if it were. This excitement persisted until half an hour after the interstellar spaceship left Tianxiu.

The students, who had never left their home planet, began to experience soul traction reactions with varying levels of spiritual languor. Even Ling Xiao, who was well-developed, felt a bit dizzy.

In contrast, Ying Feng showed little to no reaction and behaved as usual. Without the soul traction experience and with such thin human emotions, Ling Xiao began to suspect that Ying Feng was a reincarnated lone star.

An hour later, the spaceship finally arrived at Wolf Star. The average height of the Wolf Star people was much taller, with males over two meters tall being a common sight. They were burly, mostly with dark complexions. However, by appearance, people from Tianxiu looked quite similar to those from Wolf Star and couldn’t be distinguished unless pointed out.

Walking on the streets, Ling Xiao looked like a developing young man from Wolf Star, drawing no particular attention. But in Tianxiu, even among the Qizhu, his height was considerable. Here, he felt like a dwarf, which was disconcerting for him. As they continued walking, there was suddenly a commotion up ahead.

“Stop! Stop him!”

Ling Xiao dodged quickly as a raggedly dressed child ran past him, chased by several adults. It was Ling Xiao’s first time seeing a living child. The child was waist-high to him, with tiny hands and feet, making his head look particularly large and cute.

Sadly, this cuteness wasn’t enough to deter the people chasing him. The gap between them was closing when suddenly the child transformed into a wolf, running on all fours and still holding a chicken leg in his mouth.

Unfortunately, even in this form, he couldn’t outrun the adults. Soon, he was cornered, and the adults, rolling up their sleeves, were about to beat him.

Despite the many bystanders, no one stepped in to help. Such scenes were common. The child’s mother was a widow, and in Wolf Star, widows with children found it hard to remarry. If the child grew up safely, he could rise to elite status based on his abilities, even challenging the Wolf King without questions about his origins. But for now, a single mother and her orphaned child were at the bottom of society, and no one pitied them.

“Hey,” the man leading the group gestured with his hand, only to find his wrist being grabbed. The meddlesome young man had a face unfamiliar to him, clearly someone he hadn’t encountered in this area before.

“Who are you?”

“He’s just a child. Is it necessary to use force?”

“So children can steal?” The man responded defiantly.

Ling Xiao looked at the young wolf cowering in the corner, who was about to be beaten up, still stubbornly holding onto the chicken leg, clearly starving. As a person from Tianxiu, he couldn’t understand this harsh treatment of juveniles. Every fledgling in Tianxiu was a cherished treasure, forgiven even if they made mistakes. This notion of unconditional adult care for the young was deeply ingrained in them.

“It’s just a chicken leg. Look at him. He’s starving.”

“Then will you pay for him?”

Ling Xiao made a helpless face. “I don’t have any money either.”

“Without money, why are you talking so much?” The man who was about to beat the child now directed his anger at Ling Xiao. The people of Wolf Star were known for their brute strength, but to Ling Xiao, their punches seemed slow and weak, not on the same level as his.

With just a few moves, several people were sprawled out haphazardly on the ground. Ling Xiao felt quite ashamed, having only used minimal force, yet they couldn’t handle it.

“What are you doing?” a voice belonging to Ying Feng sounded.

“Ah, why are you only just arriving?” Ling Xiao reached out. “Give me some money.”

Ying Feng had just gone to put away his luggage, not expecting that in such a short time, Ling Xiao would already be causing trouble.

Ling Xiao neatly placed a banknote on the leader of the group. “I’m not sure how much this is, but it should be enough to buy a chicken leg, right?”

On the other side, a skinny little wolf stared intently at him, his eyes filled with admiration.

“Luoluo!” A worried female voice suddenly rang out.

Hearing the call, the little wolf immediately ran towards the source of the sound, transforming into a human as he did.

“Mother.” He excitedly showed her his spoils. “Food!”

His mother anxiously glanced at her son, then at Ling Xiao and the people at his feet, her expression first showing guilt and then gratitude.

Ling Xiao waved with a smile at the mother and son and left with Ying Feng.

After walking about two hundred meters, Ying Feng suddenly spoke.

“He’s still following us.”

Ling Xiao turned his head and indeed saw a small figure hastily hiding. He found it amusing.

“Don’t mind him.”

They hadn’t walked much further when they came upon a noisy place. Squeezing in, they saw a man set up a fighting stage.

“For many years, I’ve traveled north and south with my Thunder Wolf, never meeting an opponent. Not just from Wolf Star, but even those from Tianxiu are no match for me!”

“Pfft.” Ling Xiao couldn’t help but laugh.

Despite the man’s bragging, he had sharp hearing. “The gentleman over there, please stand up.”

He approached Ling Xiao. “Do you have a problem?”

“Um… Who’s Thunder Wolf?”

The man pressed something on his chest and out jumped a three-meter-tall mechanical wolf with a shiny brown shell, looking majestic.

“Do you see? This is Thunder Wolf!”

It did look pretty impressive, but…

“You’re saying it defeated someone from Tianxiu?” Ling Xiao shook his head, looking skeptical.

“You don’t believe it?” The man clapped twice in the air, and an assistant-like figure promptly brought over a long box.

“You better watch closely.”

He opened the box with pride. Ling Xiao’s face changed upon seeing its contents.

There was a stir among the crowd. The daggers used by the people of Tianxiu were distinctive and easily recognizable. Even those from Wolf Star knew that individuals from Tianxiu always carried their daggers. If there was only one dagger, it was very likely that its owner met a grim fate.

“See?” he said smugly. “This is my trophy. That person from Tianxiu challenged me, but sadly…” he feigned pity with a shake of his head, oblivious to Ling Xiao’s darkening expression.

Addressing the crowd, he raised both hands. “Anyone who can defeat my Thunder Wolf will receive a reward of one million. Is there anyone brave enough to challenge?”

The prize was tempting but considering the fate of a certain individual from Tianxiu, no one dared to step forward for a while.

“Are the people in this region all so timid?” he continued provocatively. “No one here dares to fight? In the last city, I fought seven at once, but at least they had seven warriors!”

“I’ll do it.”

The man took a closer look, realizing the volunteer was the same person who had mocked him earlier.

“Oh? Are you sure?”

“But I have a condition. If I win, I don’t want that one million.” Ling Xiao pointed at the box in his hand. “I want that.”

The other party thought for a moment. “Sure, but before that, you have to pay a challenge fee of ten thousand wolf coins.”

It turned out that he was using this as a way to make money. Ten thousand wolf coins was a steep price. Just as Ling Xiao hesitated, someone from behind handed over a stack of banknotes.

“Ah…” Ling Xiao guiltily looked at Ying Feng.

With a deadpan expression, Ying Feng commented, “Win or lose, you’re out of spending money.”

Even so, Ling Xiao remained optimistic. “I’ll definitely win.”

“I like decisive people like you.” The challenge host handed the box back to his assistant. “Alright then, bring out your mech!”

“Ah?” Ling Xiao blinked. “But I don’t have a mech.”

“You’re challenging without a mech? Are you making fun of me?”

Before Ling Xiao could reply, someone interjected. “I can lend you one.”

The speaker was a middle-aged man. “Win or lose, I won’t charge you. I just don’t like this man insulting our entire region.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I don’t know how to operate a mech.”

His experience wasn’t entirely nil, but he recalled how someone once ridiculed his skills.

“My mech is an intelligent one, operated by brainwaves. You don’t need any experience. Whatever you think, it will respond immediately. Even a six-year-old can handle it.”

Some in the crowd recognized the man, and whispers began circulating. “Isn’t he from that famous mech-making family?”

“Yes, that’s him.”

Understanding the situation and seeing the kind offer, Ling Xiao nodded in agreement.

“Thank you very much.”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 81

“Boo…” The audience jeered below, and everyone started throwing virtual rotten eggs at him. Ling Xiao was laughing so hard that he not only threw his own egg but also grabbed Ying Feng’s and threw it as well.

Despite the onslaught of eggs, Red Head remained undeterred on stage, passionately chanting, “The soul is eternal, and life is fleeting. Love needs to be shown every second! You have only one life and only one soulmate…”

“Are you not going to throw?” Ling Xiao, holding his belly, asked Shang Yang.

“I think what he said was quite good.” Shang Yang hesitated, looking at the items in his hands. “I’m considering whether to throw a flower for him.”

“Wait a moment!” A shout came from the stage, startling both of them. “I see a real flower on stage! A real one!”

Excitedly, Red Head picked it up. “Which little angel threw this? Raise your hand and let me see you, okay?”

From the crowd, Bing Can raised his hand confidently. Red Head, with a look of utter bliss, exclaimed, “I knew it was you, my little angel. Let me thank you in kind.”

He threw the mic to the host and, despite being covered in egg yolk and egg white, gracefully jumped off the stage and passionately kissed his Qizhu in front of everyone. Their stall’s popularity instantly skyrocketed.

The host, who was sweating profusely, took control of the situation. “Clearly, the previous contestant failed to answer his question properly. Who’s the next brave participant?”

“It’s your turn.” Red Head pushed Yu Ji. “We agreed, one turn each.”

Ling Xiao: ???

When did they make such an agreement?

Yu Ji, reluctantly taking the stage under Red Head’s push, drew a question similar to the previous one.

Question for adults: Since forming a pact, what is the one thing you regret the most?

Indeed, the question was apt for Yu Ji, and his answer was pretty much what Ling Xiao had anticipated.

“The thing I regret the most… is probably not being by his side during his tumultuous period. When he needed me the most, I left him alone, which led to him suffering lifelong consequences.” Yu Ji paused. “I’m not a qualified Qizhu.”

The host added, “Imagine leaving your Qizi alone during their tumultuous phase. As fledglings, we don’t have to worry about such issues. We’re free and unrestricted, right?”

“Right!” The fledglings in the audience agreed in unison.

Shuang Feng, with a push, jumped onto the stage. The host, caught off guard, had the mic snatched away by him.

Even Ling Xiao and his group were surprised. This man, whom they often referred to as the “God of Sleep”, seemed unusually proactive today.

“I want to clarify something,” he began without any introduction. “After the coming-of-age ceremony, the one who ran away wasn’t him; it was me. He didn’t abandon me, as he said. I didn’t want to face others’ pity.”

“We all want to escape reality. Essentially, our actions were the same, but the results differed. I seemed more like the victim because I suffered more. But we’re all victims, and we’re also the perpetrators. The one we harm is ourselves.”

“I have suffered permanent mental trauma, and he has been immersed in guilt for a long time. The symptoms of the Qizi’s can be determined by instruments, but only the Qizhu knows the knot in their heart. Because of this visible damage, I gained another person’s guilt, concession, and care. We didn’t originally need to be responsible for each other’s lives. If he was with someone he liked, he wouldn’t need to be so careful and filled with guilt as he is now.”

“So, there’s something I’ve wanted to say for a long time.” He turned to Yu Ji. “It’s not your fault. You have nothing to feel guilty about.”

Yu Ji, holding the mic, couldn’t say anything for a long time. The audience was silent until someone yelled, “They’re just here to show off their love, boo!”

It was as if a floodgate had opened. Numerous eggs were thrown onto the stage, with the fledglings expressing their envy in this way. Shuang Feng shielded Yu Ji behind him, which only incited more people to throw eggs.

Despite the embarrassment, when the two walked off the stage hand in hand, the applause was much louder than the boos.

“Amazing!” Red Head joked, “You two can definitely surpass Ling Xiao’s team by the end of the term.”

“Hey!” Ling Xiao retorted.

Shuang Feng perked up momentarily, then immediately reverted to his usual self. “I’m so sleepy. I want to go to bed.”

“The event isn’t over.”

“We’re not participating anymore.” The two were already several meters away, with Shuang Feng lazily waving his free hand.

After two consecutive challenges, the surrounding crowd raised torches in anger. Seeing the unfavorable situation, Ling Xiao quickly pulled Shang Yang away.

They wandered around, playing and eating, and soon encountered a roaming grand adventure lottery box. Ling Xiao urged Shang Yang to draw a lot.

“Eh, can I?” Shang Yang asked nervously.

“Of course.” This game didn’t require them to go on stage, so they didn’t have to worry about attracting attention.

“Alright then.” Shang Yang carefully drew a lot. Ling Xiao leaned in to see, and the card read: Say the content above aloud three times, and your wish will come true.

“Go ahead,” Ling Xiao encouraged him.

“I… I want to fall in love.”

“Too quiet.” The lottery staff shook his head with a smile.

“I want to fall in love.” He raised his voice a little.

“One last time.”

“I WANT TO FALL IN LOVE!” Shang Yang shouted.

Many people around heard him, and there were cheers and whistles, and some fledglings gave him flirtatious glances. Beneath Shang Yang’s mask, a hint of blushing was visible.

“May your wish come true.” The lottery staff gave him a gift—a small angel halo that floated above his head.

“When you meet someone special, it’ll light up.”

“Thank you.” Shang Yang placed it on his head, instantly transforming into a little angel.

The halo was fascinating. Without any support, it followed its wearer around.

Ling Xiao liked it and wanted one too, so he urged Ying Feng to participate.

“For adults, draw here.”

The lottery staff flipped the multi-faced lottery box with ill intent.

Ying Feng drew a card, and after a while, words appeared on it. He silently pocketed it.

“What did you draw? Let me see.”

Ling Xiao reached for it, but Ying Feng refused. Shang Yang also curiously looked over.

“What if I can’t do it?” Ying Feng asked directly.

“You’ll be penalized.”

“How?”

“For adults, it’s drinking a big cup of wine!”

A staff member immediately brought over the wine, which was indeed a large cup.

“Wow, that’s a lot,” Ling Xiao remarked. “You’re not really going to drink it, are you?”

Ying Feng decisively took the cup.

“Hey.” Ling Xiao hurriedly said, “What did you draw that’s harder than drinking wine?”

Ying Feng acted as if he hadn’t heard and drank the wine in one gulp, attracting many onlookers.

Curiosity nearly killed the monkey, but no matter how Ling Xiao threatened or coaxed, Ying Feng refused to reveal or show the content on the card.

“Ah,” Shang Yang suddenly exclaimed. The halo on his head lit up. Looking to the side, another girl with a halo was looking his way.

The music started at the right moment, and the dance was a traditional event of the Royal Sky Festival, where both fledglings and adults danced hand in hand with their partners.

Bing Can and Red Head had already entered the dance floor. Ling Xiao was urging Shang Yang, “Go, take the initiative.”

“Is it really okay?”

“We’re here with you.”

Shang Yang mustered the courage and approached the girl. Unfortunately, he didn’t understand any social etiquette, but in the end, the girl took the initiative and extended her hand to him.

Ling Xiao and his group followed them from a safe distance that wouldn’t disturb them. Soldiers sent by the Marshal, disguised as a dancing pair, were in another direction, keeping an eye on the scene.

Ling Xiao, draping his arm around Ying Feng’s neck, now with just the two of them, was still tormented by the burning curiosity about the card. “What exactly did your card say?”

If Ying Feng started with “It seems like…” again, Ling Xiao felt he might lose his mind.

Surprisingly, this time Ying Feng straightforwardly showed him the card. Why didn’t he show him earlier? Was it inappropriate for fledglings?

Ling Xiao took a look, and it read: Use release on your Qizi once.

He felt he had seen these words somewhere before. Ling Xiao recalled that in Ying Feng’s notes, among the 99 things couples should do, there seemed to be such an entry.

But he didn’t understand, “What does ‘release’ mean?”

“Do you want to know?”

The two were close, and due to the height difference, Ying Feng’s gaze fell on Ling Xiao’s face. His half-covered eyes conveyed an indescribable feeling. The fluctuating dance lights softened Ying Feng’s sharp features. The usual cold demeanor seemed to melt away. Ling Xiao was entranced and almost unconsciously responded, “I do…”

Ying Feng looked around, ensuring no one’s attention was on them, then slowly leaned in. When they were just a centimeter apart, Ling Xiao caught the faint scent of alcohol from him. Even though Ying Feng was the one who had been drinking, Ling Xiao felt intoxicated.

Ying Feng’s breath whispered into Ling Xiao’s ear, which immediately turned a shade of red, making it look alluring and delicious. As if tasting some kind of delicacy, Ying Feng, following a certain habit of his when he brought Ling Xiao to climax, gently bit his ear, rubbing the tips of his teeth on it.

“Nn…” Ling Xiao nearly let out a moan, but he held back. His vision changed, seeing rapid transitions between day and night, clear skies, and twinkling stars. He closed his eyes, and the visuals accelerated.

He felt a tingling sensation starting from the top of his head, moving through his face, reaching his heart, and spreading through his body. Whenever it touched, it felt like feathers lightly scratching, like ants swarming, until this tremor swept through his entire body, causing waves. His body began to tremble slightly.

All feelings finally condense. The sleeping ones woke, the dormant ones looked up, and without any contact, desire burst out, and his mind went blank for a minute.

He slowly tightened his arm around Ying Feng, and his toes became the only fulcrum. Because of the surge of blood, he had to bury his head into Ying Feng’s shoulder to prevent others from seeing him like this. Ying Feng gently nibbled along his ear from bottom to top, grinding it carefully. Ling Xiao tightly bit his trembling lips. The music drowned out his occasional moans, but he knew this very well and was still ashamed.

The feeling hadn’t stopped as waves after waves kept coming, rolling in layer by layer, like the never-ending tide. Ling Xiao was drowning in it, rising and falling involuntarily. The ripple-like excitement spread somewhere and rebounded after touching the edge, amplifying the pleasure where it overlapped, until every cell in his body joined this fervor.

Ying Feng let go of his ear and whispered, “Breathe.”

The word seemed to jump in his ear. Only then did Ling Xiao realize he had been holding his breath for a long time. He almost passed out from suffocation and would probably be the first person to have suffocated himself to death.

“That’s enough…” Ling Xiao moaned intermittently. Even he wasn’t sure whether such a weak sound could penetrate the dance music and be captured by Ying Feng.

As Ling Xiao wished, Ying Feng withdrew his power. Instantly, Ling Xiao felt drained, his legs too weak to support his body. Ying Feng, with his arm around Ling Xiao’s waist, subtly exerted more strength to support him. Ling Xiao’s entire weight leaned and hung onto Ying Feng, resting his head against Ying Feng’s lower jaw and breathing heavily.

Thankfully, a lyrical song was playing at that moment, so their overly intimate behavior didn’t arouse suspicion from others. Ling Xiao was incredibly grateful that Ying Feng didn’t act on the spot. He wondered who came up with such a ridiculous challenge.

Shang Yang passed by them, fully immersed in the event. Any previous shyness was gone. As he passed, he gave Ling Xiao a cheerful smile. Ling Xiao strained to curve the corner of his mouth as a response; given his current state, it was a feat in itself.

Turning around, Ling Xiao noticed that he had dampened Ying Feng’s shoulder and collar. As for a certain spot on his own body, he didn’t need to look to know the situation.

For the remainder of the dance, Ling Xiao practically hung onto Ying Feng. Shang Yang and his dance partner were having so much fun that Ling Xiao didn’t have the heart to urge him to leave.

The party finally came to an end, and Shang Yang reluctantly bid his partner goodbye.

“Her name is Jue Yin. I want to be friends with her,” Shang Yang said to Ling Xiao, somewhat embarrassed.

“Why not? Of course you can.”

“I don’t have a personal terminal, so I gave her the Bishop’s contact information.”

Ling Xiao: …

I hope the Bishop won’t mind!

“Your face is a bit red. Is it because it’s hot?” Shang Yang asked with concern.

“Uh, yeah, haha, from dancing,” Ling Xiao replied, feeling awkward.

“Thank you for taking me out today. It’s the happiest day since I’ve awakened.”

Ling Xiao felt a mix of emotions. “I’ll take you out again when we get the chance.”

“Thank you,” Shang Yang said, looking at the two of them with envy. “You two are so close. I hope I can have a relationship like yours someday.”

After Shang Yang left, Ling Xiao, feeling drained, leaned onto Ying Feng limply.

“It doesn’t consume mental power.”

Ling Xiao: ??

“What doesn’t?”

“My new ability.”

Ling Xiao: …

It’ll kill people, okay?!

Ying Feng thought Ling Xiao didn’t understand and earnestly explained, “It can last as long as you want.”

“You try lasting three minutes!” You’d probably drop dead in less than a minute!

“There are too many people here.”

“Huh?”

“We can try it when we get home.”

“…You misunderstood! That’s not what I meant!”

Ying Feng dragged him a few steps and eventually just hoisted him onto his shoulder.

All the talk about being close was deceptive; they even had different communication frequencies. How could they be in love? Most importantly…

“I really didn’t mean that! Put me down! Hey!”

---

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

Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

---

Chapter 80

Ling Xiao nervously stood outside the door, unsure of where to place his hands. He kept adjusting his uniform and constantly asked Ying Feng if anything about his appearance was amiss.

Ying Feng found his anxiety a bit exaggerated. “Are you really this nervous?”

Ling Xiao didn’t understand Ying Feng’s calmness. After all, they were about to meet the Marshal, the highest-ranking officer in the military. In the military inclined Tianxiu, the Marshal’s position was akin to a president’s. Wasn’t he, a freshman at the military academy, allowed to be nervous about meeting such an important figure?

Under the guidance of an officer, they finally stood before the Marshal. Though Ling Xiao had only seen him from afar in media broadcasts or during ceremonies, up close, the Marshal was imposing and dignified, demanding respect from all who met him.

“Greetings, Marshal!” Ling Xiao saluted sharply.

Although the Marshal had a stern expression, those familiar with him could tell he was in a good mood.

“You two have performed exceptionally,” he began. “Whether it was your response to emergencies, your bravery in facing greater numbers, or your sense of duty in protecting the fledglings, your actions were commendable. On behalf of the military, I thank you for your outstanding contributions and am proud that the military has talents like you.”

The Marshal took a medal from an aide and solemnly pinned it on Ling Xiao. “It has been many years since this Medal of Outstanding Contribution was awarded to someone outside the active military. Congratulations on this honor.”

There was applause. Ling Xiao saluted again, gratefully saying, “Thank you, Marshal!”

Then, he watched as the Marshal similarly decorated Ying Feng. The pride he felt seeing this was even greater than his own recognition.

Compared to Ling Xiao, Ying Feng was much calmer. He offered a standard salute and then shook hands with the Marshal, displaying both respect and confidence. The Marshal silently approved. Leadership qualities often manifest at a young age, and this young man undoubtedly had that potential.

Many officers were present, some familiar from the media and some whose reputations preceded them. Fu Yao wore his usual enigmatic expression, and Long Yin pretended not to recognize them from the moment they entered.

After the award ceremony, many came to offer their congratulations, soon followed by questions related to the Eagle. The military had been chasing Tai Yin for years, always eluded by their cunningness. Ling Xiao and Ying Feng were the only ones who had infiltrated the enemy, possessing information even the military didn’t have.

Ying Feng shared all the intel he gathered from the Eagle, including the number of enemies, ship configurations, and weaponry. Listening, Ling Xiao realized that while he was distracted by Fei Jing, Ying Feng had been observing and memorizing so much.

The award ceremony turned into a strategy discussion until the Marshal intervened, dismissing those not directly involved and leaving only Ying Feng and Ling Xiao.

“Marshal, do you need anything else from us?” Ling Xiao asked.

“Not from me,” the Marshal replied, “but someone else wants to meet you.” He clapped his hands, signaling someone to enter.

The man looked familiar. Some people had an innate ability to exude warmth. From the moment he entered, Ling Xiao couldn’t take his eyes off him, as if drawn by a magnetic force.

“Hello,” the man greeted with a smile.

“Hello,” Ling Xiao replied, slightly confused. “Have I met you somewhere?”

The man chuckled. “I’m the Marshal’s Qizi. You might be more familiar with my other identity.”

“Another identity?”

“He’s the current head bishop of the church. We saw him in the cathedral’s corridor.”

Ying Feng’s words jogged Ling Xiao’s memory. Even though they didn’t follow the church, the bishop’s image was everywhere.

Wait! The head bishop, the Marshal’s Qizi? Ling Xiao blurted out, “Aren’t the church and the military opposed?”

Ying Feng nudged him with an elbow, realizing his blunder. But the bishop seemed unperturbed and explained with a smile, “Do you have misconceptions about the church? We’re not against the military. They protect us and our nation. How could we oppose them? We just have differing viewpoints on certain issues and are always seeking alignment.”

Ling Xiao stealthily glanced at the Marshal. Was it okay for him to openly express different military positions in front of his Qizhu? Yet, the Marshal seemed to take it in stride, as if it would have been strange if the bishop hadn’t spoken up.

“Your name is Ling Xiao, right?” The bishop gazed at him gently. “I used to know a child with the surname Ling who was as kind-hearted as you.”

“Was it Ling Xing?” Thinking of anyone related to the church with the name Ling, Ling Xiao immediately thought of that name.

The bishop was taken aback. “You know him?”

Ling Xiao hesitated. “We emerged from the same energy pod. I’ve heard of him.”

The bishop gazed at him for a while and sighed. “It’s a pity he left at such a young age. If he were reincarnated, he would have been of age to awaken.”

The Marshal placed a hand on the bishop’s shoulder, signaling him to change the topic, and the bishop adjusted his emotions promptly. “Earlier, the Marshal expressed the military’s gratitude to you both. I’d also like to express the church’s gratitude. Despite the combined efforts of the military and the church over the years, we couldn’t save him. Yet you succeeded.”

“The population of Tianxiu has shrunk by 40% compared to the founding era. Regardless of whether we want to admit it, due to wars and various accidents, our race is continually declining. If there’s no turnaround, we’re doomed to extinction. In this context, every fledgling is precious. So, you didn’t just save a hostage; you saved a soul, which is a massive contribution to the entire nation.”

“It’s our duty,” Ling Xiao said with pride.

“Sorry for the long talk. Actually, someone else wanted to thank you in person.” He stepped aside, revealing a shy-looking fledgling behind him. Even though he looked like a child, Ling Xiao knew he’d awakened much earlier than him, having been a fledgling for over three decades. “Come, Shang Yang, didn’t you have something to say to them? Don’t be shy,” the bishop encouraged.

Shang Yang hesitated several times before speaking, and the bishop explained, “He’s been isolated for so long and isn’t great at communicating. Please be patient.”

“It’s okay. Take your time.”

“Thank you for saving me.” Shang Yang mustered up his courage. “I heard you faced dangers and fought many to save me. You’re really brave.”

“To manage to sneak into a lifeboat and escape in such an environment, I think you’re the truly brave one,” Ling Xiao sincerely praised him. To face the vast expanse of space alone required immense courage. Shang Yang’s eyes sparkled. Not only was Ling Xiao his savior, but he was also the first to say such words to him.

“What’s your real name? Why do they still call you Shang Yang?”

“His real information was erased by Tai Yin. We couldn’t find it in the database,” the bishop interjected.

Ling Xiao was about to speak when the bishop added, “His presence here is still a secret. We don’t want to make it public or let unrelated people know to avoid leaks.”

Ling Xiao understood, feeling sorry for Shang Yang. He had been imprisoned by Tai Yin since his awakening and now just hid in another place.

“So, he can’t go to school or interact with other fledglings?”

“For his safety, I’m afraid that’s the case for now,” the bishop said. “Tai Yin is exceptionally intelligent, and we can’t underestimate him. Sending him to a primary school is too risky.”

“That’s a pity. If he could interact with his peers, find someone he likes, and go through the coming-of-age ceremony, even Tai Yin would be powerless.”

From Shang Yang’s eyes, Ling Xiao saw hope and got an idea. “Today is Fledgling Day, and there are many fledglings outside. If we bring him to a mixer party, no one should recognize him, right?”

With hopeful eyes, Shang Yang looked at the bishop, who turned to the Marshal. Under everyone’s gaze, the Marshal made a decision. “I’ll assign two people to accompany you, just in case.”

Shang Yang’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Ling Xiao, energized, looped his arm around Shang Yang’s neck, “Let’s go have fun!”

As they headed out, the Marshal gave Ying Feng a warning look. Understanding the unspoken message, Ying Feng replied, “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on those two.”

Ling Xiao, along with Shang Yang and two bodyguards, returned to the school. As darkness set in, the party was about to begin. To ensure Shang Yang’s safety, they had prepared a disguise mask for him.

The Royal Sky Military Academy was a prestigious institution on Tianxiu. Naturally, its fledgling students carried the reputation of “golden bachelors”. Every year on this day, many fledglings from other top institutions would travel great distances to join the Royal Sky’s grand party, hoping to meet an exceptional partner. The vast gathering of fledglings created a perfect cover for Shang Yang’s concealed identity.

Upon arriving at the party venue, they discovered two entrance doors: one slightly wider and the other narrower, only permitting a single person’s passage.

Surprisingly, many adults were also participating in the party, implying that Fledgling Day wasn’t exclusively for fledglings. Naturally, where there was a lively scene, Red Head was bound to make an appearance. Spotting Ling Xiao, he excitedly signaled from behind the wider door. “Use this door! This one!”

“What’s the difference?” Ling Xiao asked, standing between the two entrances.

A party attendant explained with a smile, “Today is Fledgling Day, and all attendees are single. The narrow door is sufficient for entry. However, if you wish to enter as a couple, you’ll face a penalty.”

Understanding, Ling Xiao initially headed towards the narrow door but was assertively pulled by Ying Feng towards the wider one.

“Hey, don’t flaunt our relationship in front of the single fledglings,” Ling Xiao whispered.

“Shouldn’t we?” Ying Feng asked seriously.

After pondering for a moment, Ling Xiao conceded. “Yes, you’re right.”

“Shang Yang, you…” He had just turned his head to greet him when he realized that the other had already passed through the narrow door and ran ahead of them, waiting with an expectant look to watch the fun unfold.

“Wonder what the penalty is,” Ling Xiao murmured as they both stepped through the wider entrance.

Suddenly, a bucket of water cascaded from above. Just as they were about to get drenched, a protective barrier surrounded them, keeping them completely dry.

“Ah! Using a soul crystal is so unfair!” The onlookers criticized Ying Feng’s cunningness.

Ling Xiao proudly thought, ‘My Qizhu is so smart!’

“That’s practically cheating!” Red Head and his group approached. “We thought we’d finally see Ying Feng in a humorous plight, but you couldn’t even grant us this small wish on a holiday.”

Ling Xiao noticed their dry attire and asked, “How did you guys get through?”

“We came with Yu Ji and the others. They walked ahead of us. Seeing the imminent drenching, we quickly slipped through the narrow door.”

As they chatted, Ling Xiao spotted Yu Ji and his partner, looking as if they had been caught in a downpour. It was rare to see Shuang Feng not taking a nap during his free time.

“You guys are no better than us, even more cunning,” Ling Xiao jested.

Everyone teased each other for a while, and Ling Xiao took the opportunity to introduce Shang Yang to them.

“This is my friend, Xiao Yang. He came to hang out with us today.”

He didn’t say anything else, and Yu Ji’s group just assumed that Shang Yang was a friend from Ling Xiao’s preliminary school. Red Head and his group, although they had seen Shang Yang before, couldn’t recognize him behind the mask. In front of everyone, Ling Xiao didn’t feel it appropriate to explain.

Nobody asked any questions; they just welcomed Shang Yang’s arrival.

“Are you here to find a partner, kiddo? We have many excellent single fledglings here,” someone teased.

Ling Xiao pushed Red Head playfully. “The ‘kiddo’ you’re talking about has been awake for more years than I have.”

Shang Yang had never interacted with so many people at once. Even on the Eagle, Tai Yin had always locked him up in a small room, and the only person he ever saw was Tai Yin. So, he shyly hid behind Ling Xiao.

“You scared the little one,” Ling Xiao jested.

Red Head quickly tried to redeem himself. “I just saw some graduates from Lion Academy attending the party. Later on, I’ll introduce them to you.”

“We don’t need to know anyone from your school,” Ling Xiao teased, remembering the mishap with Red Head’s chemistry classmate. If it weren’t for that classmate giving the wrong stuff, they wouldn’t have been assigned mandatory labor, which led them to meet the fleeing Shang Yang and ultimately rescue him. On second thought, maybe they should be grateful.

“Huh? Are you saying my Qizhu is unreliable?”

Ling Xiao, pulling Shang Yang with him, moved deeper into the party, ignoring the shouting Red Head behind him.

There were many booths at the party, and many were surrounded by a crowd.

“Come and join our activity.” Someone invited Ling Xiao and his group. “Both fledglings and adults can participate.”

“What’s the activity?”

“We’re from the Older Fledgling Club. We pride ourselves on being single. If you come on stage and draw a question, answer it, and get approval from the audience, you’ll get a small gift.”

“I’m good at answering questions,” Red Head announced as he rushed to the stage, rolling up his sleeves. “I’m here to participate!”

The club members distributed real flowers and virtual rotten eggs to everyone. The rotten eggs, when thrown, would create visual, auditory, and olfactory sensations but would disappear after 30 seconds.

“If you think the person on stage is doing well, throw flowers. If you’re dissatisfied, throw the rotten eggs. We’ll judge the answers based on your votes.”

Red Head quickly made it to the stage, hit the machine, and his question popped up.

Question for adults: Since forming a pact, what is the one thing you regret the most?

Ling Xiao understood the point. This was the Older Fledgling Club, after all. If fledglings came on stage, they would probably be making single declarations. If adults came, they would talk negatively about forming pacts to make the fledglings even prouder of being single.

“The thing I regret the most…” Red Head pondered, gripping the mic tightly, appearing to be struggling with his answer.

Ling Xiao, hardly containing his laughter, was ready for Red Head to give a nonsensical response.

“The thing I regret the most is that when I formed a pact with my Qizhu, I had already been a fledgling for thirteen years. I deeply regret this. Why didn’t I confess my feelings to him earlier? If I had confessed sooner, we could have had more time together. A day sooner is an extra day; a year sooner is an extra year. Confessing after thirteen years as a fledgling wasted so much time!” He passionately pointed to the crowd below. “So all of you older fledglings, quickly shed your single status and find your destined partner. Once you find someone you truly love, you’ll regret wasting these years being single. The longer you remain single now, the less time you’ll have in love in the future. What are you waiting for? Act now!”

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Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

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

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Chapter 79

Ying Feng’s voice suddenly ceased. Ling Xiao really wanted to grab his collar and shout loudly:

Who do you think you are?

Finish what you were saying!

Ling Xiao felt so discontented, almost overflowing with it.

Why is it that only the voice of the Qizhu can be heard? Even if it’s just once, I want you to hear my voice too, to understand all my thoughts, words, and hopes… I hope they can reach you through this light.

Before being sucked into the vortex, Ying Feng’s last glimpse was a flash of golden light from a distance. Maybe it was a star shining bright, or perhaps it was just a hallucination before his demise.

Regrettably, the remaining mental strength didn’t let him finish his words.

He felt something unusual in his body, as if mental power was constantly pouring into him. At first, he thought it was an illusion. But when he lifted his hand, the scrapes from the spatial jumps were healing at a visible speed, and a faint golden glow surrounded his skin, ensuring he remained unharmed even at the center of the vortex.

His mental strength continued to rise, reaching unprecedented heights. He could feel energy circulating inside, spreading throughout every part of his body. This strange power grew stronger and eventually formed into a familiar voice, playfully echoing in his ear:

Speak up, speak up, speak up…

Hearing this voice, the corner of Ying Feng’s mouth uncontrollably rose. This annoying, buzzing sound, even if repeated for a hundred years, would never become tiresome. Why stop it now?

Leaving that guy drifting alone in space was always worrisome. If possible, I still want—

—to stay by your side.

The scenery before their eyes changed, and Ying Feng and Ling Xiao found themselves face-to-face in the universe, both frozen in shock.

However, as they reached out to each other, their fingertips barely brushed against one another before they were suddenly pushed apart again. Ling Xiao was extremely frustrated. They had just obviously reunited, so why were they being pushed away again? Why was it so hard to give the other a hug?

Ying Feng reversed the polarity of his body and teleported back once more, and this time, nothing separated them.

Beneath the colorful, mottled nebula, they clung to each other tightly. Comets streaked across the sky, trailing long tails, one, then two, then three…

Ling Xiao blinked.

A meteor shower?

From such a close distance, it was surprising Ying Feng could still understand his gestures.

It’s a comet swarm.

Long ago, they were seen as omens of bad luck, but today, no one was luckier than them.

Several spaceships appeared from the stargates. Consecutive surprises heightened their alertness until they saw the military insignia on the ships and felt at ease. The late military opened their bay doors, and with the help of the tractor beam, the two were safely brought aboard.

Ling Xiao immediately asked upon landing, “What were you saying earlier?”

“Nothing.”

“Come on, finish your sentence. I hate it when you stop halfway.”

Red Head and Bing Can rushed over, interrupting them, “Ling Xiao! Ying Feng! Are you okay?”

“We’re fine,” Ling Xiao began, realizing he was still attached to Ying Feng, maintaining an awkward stance. “What about you?”

“The enemies destroyed the escort ship, but we managed to eject in time. Not long after, the commander and his team came to our aid.”

“The commander? Major General Fu Yao?”

“Yes. The enemies diverted the space station’s forces with a decoy. By the time we located their main body, they had gone too far. We rushed to save you two but encountered a vortex on the way. By the time we arrived, only wreckage remained. We thought…”

Ying Feng vaguely remembered. “They mentioned something about initiating a spatial jump at the end.”

“Spatial jumps are different from stargate transitions; they don’t have a clear destination,” Fu Yao’s voice suddenly interjected. “It artificially creates a twisted space and jumps randomly near a stargate.”

“Commander.”

“Greetings, Commander!” Both greeted him.

Fu Yao nodded. “If it were a stargate transition, we could track your destination. But with random jumping, it would take a long time to check each one.”

Ling Xiao was puzzled. “Then how did you find us?”

“That’s the strangest part,” Red Head interrupted. “The military suddenly received an anonymous message with your coordinates.”

“Anonymous message?”

“Yes. If it’s not the enemy, who else would know your location? And if it is the enemy, why would they risk exposing themselves to notify us? It’s very strange.”

Ling Xiao and Ying Feng exchanged glances, both having a vague suspicion of someone.

Fu Yao, perceptive as ever, noticed. “Do you have any clues?”

“No,” Ling Xiao quickly replied. Ying Feng remained silent upon seeing this.

Fu Yao was clearly skeptical but didn’t press the issue.

“The Eagle is very cunning, engaging in guerrilla warfare with us for years. The military hasn’t captured it. This time, although they escaped again, their hasty jump forced them to sacrifice their main ship. Along the way, we found many wreckages of pirate ships…”

“They’re working together,” Ling Xiao interjected. “The pirates have been supplying them with resources.”

Fu Yao nodded. “The pirates have been wiped out, and the deserters are severely weakened. You both played a significant role. You might even receive commendation.”

“We don’t need commendations.” Red Head shamelessly asked, “Can we get the 30 hours of mandatory labor waived?”

Fu Yao gave him a sharp look, and Red Head sheepishly withdrew.

“By the way.” Ling Xiao finally remembered a crucial issue. “How’s the fledgling doing?”

“He’s in a safe place and will return to the surface with us.”

Relieved to have one of his primary concerns addressed, Ling Xiao felt an overwhelming wave of fatigue.

“Hey,” he said weakly, leaning on Ying Feng and shaking him gently. “What were you saying earlier…”

Once he got an answer to this question, he could rest.

By the time they reached the medical bay while talking, the medical staff, seeing the two joined as if conjoined twins, suppressed their laughter and said, “We know you’re inseparable, but we need to examine you now. Can you cooperate?”

Embarrassed, Ling Xiao buried his head, while Ying Feng remained composed.

“The magnetic soul crystal’s effects on us will automatically dissipate in half an hour.”

“I see. We can treat any external wounds first and then conduct a thorough examination of your bodies.”

“My wounds have already healed,” Ying Feng said, showing his hand as proof. “I don’t know how, but not only did my wounds heal suddenly, but my mental powers were instantly restored.”

“Is there anything else?” Fu Yao asked nonchalantly from the doorway.

After a moment’s thought, Ying Feng replied, “I’m not sure if it was an illusion, but I felt like there was light on the surface of my body…”

A faint golden light enveloped him, shielding him from all harm.

“That wasn’t an illusion,” Fu Yao remarked. “It seems your Qizi inadvertently used devotion even he wasn’t aware of.”

“Devotion?”

“Yes, dedicating all the Qizi’s power to temporarily enhance the Qizhu’s abilities, granting immunity from harm for a short duration.”

Ying Feng frowned. “What’s the effect on the Qizi?”

Fu Yao casually waved it off. “A few days of rest, and they’ll be fine.”

“What if they’ve been subjected to high voltage and injected with Ember II?”

Raising an eyebrow, Fu Yao replied, “Electrocuted, injected with Ember II, then using Devotion and still appearing energetic? Either my understanding is flawed, or you’re dreaming. Do you think your Qizi is superhuman?”

Ying Feng lowered his head, and Ling Xiao, out of embarrassment, continued to bury his face in Ying Feng’s chest—but for quite a long time.

Ying Feng gently held Ling Xiao’s neck, carefully turning him to face him, and indeed saw a face deep in sleep, completely unconscious.

……

Ling Xiao had a long dream in which the annoying Ying Feng kept saying to him, “I think like…” But whenever Ling Xiao pressed for more, Ying Feng refused to continue, making Ling Xiao want to throttle him for the truth.

“What are you trying to say?!” Ling Xiao shouted uncontrollably.

“You’re awake?”

Ling Xiao slowly opened his eyes to see the very person from his dream who had been so evasive.

“Have we reached the surface?” he asked groggily.

“We arrived three days ago,” Ying Feng replied calmly, hiding days of worry. “You’ve been asleep for three full days and nights.”

Ling Xiao was surprised he had slept for so long. When he was a fledgling and had taken Ember and underwent the coming-of-age ceremony, he had only been unconscious for a few hours. Why did it seem like his body was weaker now that he was an adult?

He looked around and realized he wasn’t in his dormitory.

“Where is this?” he asked.

“The medical center. You were brought here after we descended,” Ying Feng explained, ringing a bell to summon a doctor, who conducted a full checkup on Ling Xiao.

“All vital signs have returned to optimal levels. You’ve overexerted yourself this time. Although our bodies have strong regenerative abilities, it doesn’t mean we can’t wear out. You should consider the load on your soul,” the doctor chided.

“Can he be discharged?” Ying Feng inquired.

“He’s healthier than a monkey now. He could even return to the front lines.”

They had only walked a short distance from the medical center when Ling Xiao suddenly exclaimed, “Oh no!”

“What?” Ying Feng, startled by the outburst, thought something serious had occurred.

“I left my dagger on Tai Yin’s ship and never retrieved it.”

Realizing it was just this, Ying Feng relaxed.

“Just get another one. Why are you so stressed?”

“But another one won’t be the same as the original… Can it be made exactly the same?”

“No.”

Ling Xiao, with teary eyes, said, “I want the original one.”

Ying Feng found his expression amusing and couldn’t help but pinch his nose.

“Flaunt your love, die faster!” A few fledglings suddenly shouted near them.

Instinctively, Ling Xiao took a step back, creating some distance between them. The fledglings, having achieved their goal of teasing them, ran off laughing.

“What’s going on?” Ling Xiao asked, noticing the place was busier than usual. “Why are all the fledglings running around outside?”

“Today is the Fledgling Festival.”

Ling Xiao paused, realizing it was that time of year. The Fledgling Festival was always the liveliest day in Bikong, but what was up with that slogan?

But when they returned to Royal Sky, they realized those fledglings were just the tip of the iceberg. Even the usually serious military academy was overrun with a festive atmosphere. Projected slogans were everywhere:

[There are fewer and fewer fledglings around you. Do you want to risk soul dispersion without forming a bond? Royal Sky Fledgling Association welcomes you!]

[Party before you grow up! The final bash for single fledglings tonight!]

[I’m a fledgling, and I’m proud! The Club for Older Fledgling awaits you!]

[Who says adults can’t celebrate the Fledgling Festival? Make your Qizhu say ‘Buy, buy, buy’!]

Red Head immediately rushed over to check on Ling Xiao as they returned to their dormitory amidst the advertising onslaught.

“How are you feeling?”

“Absolutely fine!” Ling Xiao said proudly.

“Oh, by the way, you received an interstellar delivery. Your dorm was empty yesterday, so I took it for you.”

“Interstellar delivery? What is it?” Ling Xiao was curious, as he didn’t have any friends from other planets.

Red Head handed him a box. Ling Xiao shook it and listened. It didn’t seem like anything dangerous.

After Red Head left, Ling Xiao opened the box. Seeing its contents, he was overjoyed.

“Look!” he exclaimed, showing off the dagger to Ying Feng.

Ying Feng was equally surprised. Someone had sent Ling Xiao’s dagger through express delivery, and thinking about who could have done it, only one person came to mind.

“It must be him!” Ling Xiao said excitedly. “Do you remember? There was a fledgling with Tai Yin who looked exactly like you. No, no, he was an undeveloped adult. His name was Fei Jing!”

‘So, the principal’s Qizhu is Fei Jing,’ Ying Feng thought. If he had the thought to send a delivery, then perhaps they weren’t too affected by the disaster.

In just a short time, Ling Xiao had recounted most of Fei Jing’s story. He concluded, “I think Fei Jing’s Qizi might still be alive. I want to post a search notice online to see if anyone knows their name. Maybe there’s a clue to his Qizi.”

Ying Feng stopped him. “That might not be necessary.”

“Why?”

Ying Feng hesitated. If he told Ling Xiao the truth, Ling Xiao would undoubtedly seek out the principal. Rather than letting the principal know that the person he had been waiting for for many years had chosen a completely different path, it might be better to keep him in the dark.

Thinking this, Ying Feng made up a reason on the spot.

“Fei Jing is also a defector, and the military surely has records on him. Posting information about him online will definitely be monitored.”

Ling Xiao deflated instantly, having overlooked this fact.

If Fei Jing didn’t return, then he and his Qizi couldn’t reunite, but if he did return, he would be sentenced for abandoning his Qizi. It seemed like an insolvable problem.

Ying Feng patted his head, trying to comfort him.

“If he could leave, he can come back. If he truly wants to find his Qizi, no one can stop him.”

Fu Yao’s call request came through, startling Ling Xiao. Had even their conversation been monitored?

“Are you two ready?” The lazy, arrogant voice came through, and Ling Xiao felt an instinctive urge to stand at attention.

“Ready? Ready for what?”

“Sorry,” Ying Feng intervened. “He just woke up. I haven’t had the chance to tell him yet.”

“Tell me what?” Ling Xiao was even more confused.

“You’ve been commended.”

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