Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Taking the hard drive, Lin Fu looked puzzled, "Did the front line conflict end that quickly? Wasn't there talk of an insectoid disturbance?"

Cheng Jiu shook his head, "No combat took place. As usual, we're not quite sure what's up with the insectoids."

Lin Fu thought of a possibility and squinted, "Did you come to the Imperial Capital Star because of my affair?"Lin Fu pondered a possibility, narrowing his eyes, “Did you come to the Imperial Capital Star on account of my situation?”

There's nothing to hide, Cheng Jiu nodded: "According to the rules, the last month of the Wild Star competition must be broadcast live to ensure that there is no foul play in the final results. It's also to check on the condition of the military school students on the Wild Star. If the losses are too severe, the competition might be ended ahead of schedule."There’s no point in concealing it, Cheng Jiu nodded, “As per the rules, the final month of the Wild Star Contest must be live-streamed to validate the final scores and ensure there’s no cheating. It’s also to verify the status of the military academy students on Wild Star; if the losses are too drastic, the competition could be prematurely terminated.”

There's no need for clarity, Lin Fu already understood: "The council doesn't plan to broadcast live, and you returned to the Imperial Capital Star to force the council to start the broadcast. Perhaps there are other families exerting pressure as well, since it's not just me on the Wild Star battlefield. They won't tolerate members of their own families being lost on the Wild Star due to the council's tricks."No explicit explanation was necessary; Lin Fu already grasped the situation: “The council has no intention of broadcasting live; you’ve returned to the Imperial Capital Star to compel them to do so. Perhaps there’s pressure from other clans as well; after all, I’m not the only one on the Wild Star battlefield. They wouldn’t stand for their kin to fall victim to the council’s schemes on Wild Star.”

Cheng Jiu nodded affirmatively.Cheng Jiu nodded in confirmation.

It must be said, Lin Fu is very intelligent, interacting with such a person is always comforting.It has to be said, Lin Fu is quite astute; one always finds comfort in dealing with someone like him.

Lin Fu fiddled with his knuckles, and after pondering for a while, he chuckled and shook his head, his tone slightly sarcastic: "I'm really curious now, just how capable am I for the council to go to the extent of offending so many noble families just to deal with me."Lin Fu toyed with his knuckles, lost in thought before letting out a wry chuckle, shaking his head, his voice tinged with irony, “I’m truly curious now, what kind of influence do I have that the council would risk alienating numerous noble families just to contend with me?”

Cheng Jiu's gaze settled on his smile, speaking slowly, "You are the first in many years..." As he said "the first", his voice paused slightly for half a second before he softly continued, "the first guide to achieve this extent. You are exceptional, their vigilance is warranted."Cheng Jiu’s eyes locked onto his smile, speaking gently, “You are the first in many years…” He hesitated for a split second at the words “the first”, then continued softly, “the first guide to reach such a level. You’re outstanding, their wariness is justified.”

Lin Fu tossed the hard drive into the storage device, it wasn't convenient to look at it now, and called out in his mind: "Scan and store the contents, just in case."Lin Fu threw the hard disk into the storage device, now was not the time to examine it, and commanded mentally, “Scan and save the contents, better safe than sorry.”

System: [Alright, Host.]

Cheng Jiu cleared away the bowls and chopsticks in front of him, asking with a smile, "We've finished talking about your brother's matter, now what about yours on the Wild Star? What happened in the previous month? Weren't you always at odds with Hui Lion Academy, how did you suddenly become allies?"Cheng Jiu gathered the bowls and chopsticks before him, asking with a full-faced smile, “Now that we’re done discussing your brother’s issues, shall we talk about what happened with you on Wild Star? What unfolded in the past month? Weren’t you always at loggerheads with Hui Lion Academy, how did you end up allies all of a sudden?”

Moreover, the relationship seems to be more harmonious than the alliance between Saint Mountain Academy and Menkaltun Academy.Furthermore, their relationship seems even more harmonious than that of the alliance between Saint Mountain Academy and Menkaltun Academy.

Speaking of this, Lin Fu instantly thought of the spectacular energy veins underground, as well as the overwhelming insect tides that flowed like rivers.At this, Lin Fu’s mind instantly conjured images of the majestic energy veins beneath the earth, and the vast swarms of insects coursing like rivers.

And the peculiar effects on the spirit body and storage device in that strange area.Not to mention the bizarre effects that region had on the spirit bodies and storage devices.

"Thanks to the storage device you gave, it was a great help, thank you."“The storage device you provided was a lifesaver, thank you.”

He briefly recounted everything that happened underground, naturally omitting the details of his injury and recovery of spiritual power.He succinctly recounted the subterranean events, naturally leaving out the particulars of his injury and spiritual recovery.

"Is your storage device made of a special material?"

Cheng Jiu's smile narrowed slightly, "You fell into that place, huh?"Cheng Jiu’s smile dimmed a fraction, “You guys ended up there, huh?”

Lin Fu puzzled: "You know?"Lin Fu, puzzled, “You’re aware?”

Cheng Jiu: "I visited the Wild Star you're competing on a few years ago."Cheng Jiu, “I visited the Wild Star you’re competing on a few years back.”

……

When Lin Fu returned to the dormitory, the three of them were causing a commotion.

Instructor Bazel was red in the face, veins bulging as he looked ready to lash out.

Upon seeing Lin Fu enter, Albert rushed over to hide behind him, draping an arm over his shoulder and nudging him forward, "Hurry, hurry! The instructor wants us to continue our studies and forbids us from going to the battlefield prematurely. We've already completed the Barren Star competition, we're practically reserve soldiers. What's the use of sticking to school? Right?"

Seizing the opportunity, Zun and Si also dashed behind Lin Fu to evade Bazel's sweeping kick.

Lin Fu, used as a human shield: "..."

Bazel didn't actually make a move on Lin Fu.

As the sole promising Guide of the entire military academy, it would be odd if Bazel could bring himself to lay a hand on him; instead, he glared past Lin Fu at the three hiding behind him.

Dragged along by the trio until he almost fell apart, Lin Fu helplessly intervened, "Teacher! Wait, wait! Don't start anything, can we talk this out nicely?"

Bazel, panting and eyes bulging, confronted Lin Fu, "What's there to talk about? I see these little brats getting cocky, thinking they can join the battlefield just because they returned alive from the Barren Star. I'll show you what it means to be premature!"

With that, he made to strike again.

The trio was on the verge of hopping up and down in evasion.

Lin Fu, with a headache, grabbed Bazel's arm, understanding that he was worried they would meet their end too early on the battlefield. Yet, each had their own compelling reasons for needing to go.

He could only say, "Teacher! Are you implying that if we defeat you, we're qualified to go to the battlefield?"

Bazel held his head high, "You little pups still have a long way to go!"

As a teacher, he knew too well the level of these lads. He didn't believe a stint at the Barren Star competition was much of an accomplishment and felt no threat.

The four exchanged glances before Lin Fu took the initiative, grappling Bazel's arms while the trio quickly emerged from behind, pinning his limbs. Albert clamped his arm around Bazel's neck, chuckling, "Teacher, these were your terms~"

Their actions were swift, catching Bazel completely off-guard.

In the past, even if it were four against one, he would have lasted a few moves before being overwhelmed by numbers, not trapped in an instant as now.

Bazel, incredulous, barked, "Let go! One at a time, what skill is there in numbers?"

Lin Fu couldn't help but chuckle; he never expected to hear such words from his teacher.

Rubbing his forehead, he spoke soothingly, "Teacher, you know we're different from the rest. Albert and I, we don't have much time to dawdle in school. We appreciate your concern, but we can't stay protected in school forever."

They released him, freeing Bazell's limbs but remained wary of his next move.

Bazel stood still in his spot, tilting his head and sniffling, "Understood, you have your own convictions."

Though many students participated in the Barren Star competition, the four before him were his greatest concern, not just because they were the youngest, but also because they were his own protégés. It's human nature to harbor special sentiments towards those we're closer to.

But children must grow up, and excessive worry can become a negative pressure that binds their wings.

A brief silence fell in the room, and with a compromising sigh, Bazel conceded, "Make your own decisions, but ultimately, you must bear the consequences yourselves."

With that said, he left the room, leaving the four exchanging glances.

Even so, they couldn't alter their choice.

The battlefield was an inevitable destination.

*

After the Barren Star competition, all the military academies would head to the Imperial Star for the celebration ceremony.

The ten bearers of the energy cores would be granted the rank of captain during the ceremony, followed by a celebratory banquet hosted by the royal family in the evening. Then, they would choose the legions they wished to join, receive their commissions, and proceed to their assignments.

Hence, instead of returning to their respective planets, people from all the major academies were heading to the Imperial Star together.

After a good rest, the folks from Helios Academy met up with those from Artemis Military Academy. In groups of threes and twos, they arranged to dine together and chat leisurely on the warship, forming an unexpectedly good relationship that drew many curious glances.

Those from Merton Academy and Saint Mountain Academy were astonished by the collaboration's end, marveling at the relationship between the two military academies.

Weren't Helios and Artemis the ones who got along the least before?

If it was for cooperation and victory, that would be understandable, but now that they're aboard the starship, why maintain such a relationship?

They didn't believe for a second that the two academies were genuinely on good terms.

In response, people from both academies offered them a disdainful look.

They didn't understand that this was a bond forged through adversity.

Milton leaned against the balustrade, gazing at the vast universe through the window, the countless stars seeming almost within reach. He swirled his wine glass, his elongated eyes exuding charm.

Sipping wine from his flushed lips, he asked Yan Yan beside him, "How are Lin Fu and the others doing?"

Yan Yan shook his head helplessly, speaking softly, "They had a dispute with the teacher. No matter what, they insist on joining the battlefield with our batch."

Milton shrugged, "Lin Fu isn't one to heed others' opinions. Didn't he enter the Barren Star competition precisely to get to the front lines?"

Yan Yan nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, Milton's lips curled into a sardonic smile, his gaze landing on a group ahead, "Oh, the Royal Military Academy is aboard the starship? Haven't encountered them even once before. I thought they'd headed back before the competition ended."

Yan Yan turned his head.

A procession from the Royal Military Academy passed by; many clenched their fists tight at Milton's taunt.

One of them spat bitterly, "Had it not been for your despicable surprise attack, stealing our energy cores, victory would have been ours!"

"Exactly, exactly!"

"Filthy pirates!"

"We'll petition the council for arbitration!"

Leaning casually on the railing, Milton stretched out his legs clad in military attire, "I'm trembling with fear. Go ahead then, but before you do, you might want to have the royal household tweak the rules, lest your arbitration appeal falls flat, heh~"

Yan Yan raised a hand to his lips, hiding a smirk.

"You!" The group from the Royal Military Academy reddened with anger, fists clenched, barely restraining themselves from violence.

The leader gritted his teeth and held back his comrades, "Enough, let's go!"

They had no choice but to swallow their pride and hastily leave the area.

Swirling his glass, Milton tipped his head back in good spirits, downing the wine, and asked Yan Yan, "Which legion are you joining?"

Without waiting for Yan Yan to respond, he continued, "I'm joining the Ninth Legion, under the command of Major General Cheng. If you haven't decided where to go, why not come with me?"

Yan Yan stared at her, lips parting unconsciously.

Milton's eyebrows drooped slightly, "If you don't want to go, then..."

Suddenly, Yan Yan's face lit up with a smile, "I'll go."

How could he possibly not?

Milton lifted his glass, the smile at the edge of his lips deepening subtly.

*

The starship soon arrived at the port, with the military academy students setting foot on solid ground for the first time.

Along the nearby corridors, a large crowd had gathered, some hoisting banners high into the air.

Seeing the military academy students disembark from the starship, people on both sides excitedly chanted the names of the major military academies.

Strikingly, amidst the academy names, a personal name was included, drawing attention whether one intended to or not.

"Lin Fu!! Go, Lin Fu!! You're the best, kiddo!!!"

"Little Fu, mommy's here!!! Look here!!"

"Sister can do it!! Sister really can!!!"

"Mommy loves you!!!!"

A group of guides and female sentinels mingled together, screaming themselves hoarse in support of Lin Fu.

Albert clung to Lin Fu's shoulder, laughing so hard he nearly fell over: "Look at your mom fans and girlfriend fans, they love you so much, pick one and get married, haha!"

Tang Qian kept his head down, stifling a laugh.

Lin Fu, with a numb expression, followed the team forward, wishing he could sprout wings and fly back.

Zong Si peered around, looking lost and pitiful, eventually murmuring, "Why don't I have any fans? Am I not handsome enough, or not strong enough?"

Albert grabbed him by the scruff: "Wake up, even I, the proud head of the Harvey family, don't have anyone cheering for me. How could you possibly have any?"

No sooner had he spoken than someone suddenly burst out from the side of the road: "Albert! It's Albert!! I want to bear your children!!!"

Albert turned coquettish in a second, looking up at the petite guide who had screamed, preparing to walk in her direction, asking, "Really?"

Lin Fu forcefully grabbed the back of his collar and hurried forward, boarding the school's hovercar to pick them up, eager to leave this place of trouble.

Albert wore a look of regret.

Upon arriving at the academy, the group first met with Principal Carl. After a brief report on their experiences in the barren star, they returned to their respective residences to rest well, also in preparation for the next day's celebration ceremony.

*

Imperial Palace.

Lin Fu miraculously returned alive and even excelled in the Hwangxing Tournament, outperforming most sentinels. In the final moments, he discovered an energy core, ending the game early. His performance was nothing short of outstanding.

Simon Constantine walked through the long corridor to reach his father's palace residence. The guards at the door bowed and saluted, "Your Highness, Crown Prince."

He nodded, asking, "Is the Emperor within?"

Guard: "His Majesty is present. I will announce your arrival immediately."

Simon Constantine strode in: "No need, I will find the Emperor myself to discuss important matters. Guard the entrance well, and let no one enter."

Guard: "Yes, Your Highness."

He quickly passed through the palace and the corridor, walked through a small garden, and entered the Emperor's sleeping quarters, calling out, "Father, I wish to discuss something with you."

The Emperor was sitting by the window, and upon hearing this, he closed his light computer: "Are you here to talk about that guide?"

A broad smile spread across Simon Constantine's face: "Father, as I've mentioned before, he has returned from Hwangxing, and I believe the time is ripe."

"Surely you've heard of his exceptional performance at the end of the tournament. I believe he is the most suitable candidate to be my Empress."

The Emperor tapped his fingertips lightly on the desk: "Let me think about it. I too considered him a good choice, but do not forget the incident Cheng Jiu caused on his behalf a month ago. We must clarify the relationship between this guide and Cheng Jiu before taking any rash actions."