Chapter 31 Special Training (Revised)

Chapter 31 Special Training (Revised)

The speaker had a distinctly foreign look, standing tall, estimated to be over six feet three inches.

His neck seemed to be injured, wrapped in a large bandage.

With a provocative and disdainful look, he chuckled lightly at him, then set an ambitious target time of 118 minutes and 30 seconds. After that, he glanced at him and said, "Young Master Xu, you've been quite the talk of the school lately, huh?"

"Every morning, I hear people talking about you."

Xu Qingran took it all in stride, even asking, "Is my fame just limited to the school?"

"Then I guess I'll have to step it up—I want the whole empire to know who I am."

The man laughed again, his smile bright and sunny.

But as Xu Qingran looked into his slightly turbid green eyes, he also curved his lips, a cold feeling settling in his chest.

After a moment, the other guy stuck out his hand: "My name is Feng Wei. I've heard about the eldest son for a while now and have always wanted to meet you."

Xu Qingran didn't know the guy, but the name rang a bell.

If he remembered right, this was the guy Lin Qianmu had injured with his spiritual power during the final assessment. Because he was eliminated early, and due to various incidents during the assessment, he was also assigned to the last class group.

Xu Qingran didn't shake his hand, bluntly replying, "But I don't want to know you."

After speaking, he walked towards the training ground.

Feng Wei, though, didn't seem fazed by his attitude, catching up and continuing, "I heard the eldest son is also one of those slow to form their soul and spirit."

"I'm the same, although my spiritual pool is already 3S, the type has not been determined yet. People at the academy think we might end up as Type E, but I didn't get as lucky as you—no special invitation from the academy."

Xu Qingran glanced at Feng Wei upon hearing this.

The latter looked ahead, aimlessly following him to the obstacle course training ground, still muttering, "You think if we both turn out to be Type E, we'll end up hating each other like the stories say? Not even friends?"

"But they say before Type E is set, your spiritual pool has to hit 3S first. So looks like I'll get my result before you."

"Don't worry," Xu Qingran cut in, "I'm not planning on being friends with you, so no need to overthink it."

With that, he headed straight for the starting point of the obstacle course, beginning his first round of self-testing in crossing obstacles to see how long the first run would take.

The rest of the class started training under the instructors' watch.

Slack off, and you'd be doing push-ups on the spot.

Not long after Xu Qingran started, while climbing a nearly hundred-meter high rock wall that needed to be crossed, someone else approached.

The voice was familiarly noisy: "Xu, hang in there—I'm going ahead!"

After saying that, Feng Wei sped up, surpassing him with ease, quickly reaching the top and crossing the most difficult part of the mountain path.

Xu Qingran silently watched the direction he left, then turned back, continuing at his own pace.

There was a very high wooden stake in the obstacle course, serving as the midway checkpoint.

By the time Xu Qingran reached the top, it was already noon under the scorching sun. Although the sun was blazing, he didn't rush to descend after pressing the checkpoint button at the top.

From a high vantage point, one can always see more of the landscape.

For instance, in coastal regions, top students like Ling Yuege are mastering and applying combat mecha techniques. Right next to their training area lies another obstacle course, laid out in a similar fashion.

The academy offers more than a dozen training programs. Due to the large number of students, both the advanced and beginner classes are split into over a dozen groups, each beginning with different programs for rotational training.

From his vantage point, he could see Ni Xiaoyuan's striking pink-gray hair swaying as she leaped with leopard-like agility. Compared to most of his classmates, who were groaning and struggling, nearly ready to give up, the competition in the advanced class next door was much more intense.

Most of them, like Ni Xiaoyuan, were fully focused and giving it their all. At each obstacle, several figures were fiercely competing with their peers, but Ni Xiaoyuan, despite being a girl, still stood out as the clear leader in her group.

Xu Qingran's gaze shifted to Feng Wei, who was also taking a short break a few obstacles away. Perched high on the obstacle, Feng Wei's eyes were locked on the neighboring field, but only on one person.

It was Lin Qianmu, who shared the same class as Ni Xiaoyuan.

Feng Wei's gaze at him was odd, exuding an eerie sense of discomfort. He was also sharp and quickly noticed Xu Qingran's gaze. When he turned and waved with a smile, the earlier ambiguity in his eyes disappeared.

Xu Qingran openly stared at him until Feng Wei, sufficiently rested, continued to clear the obstacles. Only then did Xu Qingran continue with his own training.

The physical demands of this training session were indeed intense.

Xu Qingran pushed himself to finish the entire course.

Including the rest time on the wooden pole, it took him a total of 292 minutes and 33 seconds.

Feng Wei, who had completed the course long ago, hadn't left. He waited at the finish line and only approached when he saw Xu Qingran descend, teasing, "Young Master Xu, as a special invitee of the academy, you still have a lot of work to do."

Feng Wei's physical foundation was superior to most in their class. Even on his first attempt, unfamiliar with the course, he finished it in about 200 minutes, the fastest time. This was expected, as his level should have placed him in the advanced class.

Xu Qingran still didn't reply to him.

However, Feng Wei had assessed his capabilities, and his interest in Xu Qingran had slightly waned compared to the beginning. "There's still a month left. I believe you, Young Master Xu, can definitely improve your performance."

"I've finished today's task. The instructor said I can leave early. See you tomorrow!"

Xu Qingran glanced at Feng Wei's leisurely retreating figure without a word. After resting enough, he turned and started training again from the finish line, heading back. He wanted to familiarize himself with all the obstacles as soon as possible and then figure out the fastest way to clear them with minimal effort.

Soon, the instructor announced the end of today's training session.

Xu Qingran wasn't sure about the situation in the advanced class with Ni Xiaoyuan, but in his own class, over 90% of the students hadn't completed the course by the end. Although the instructors had been quite responsible throughout, not giving anyone a chance to slack off.

But for the beginner class, the expectations on the first day couldn't be too high. This was just the beginning.

In the evening, after eating and resting, Xu Qingran prepared to go downstairs for his nightly run.

The door to room 6037 across the hall had been repaired.

He had just closed his door and taken a few steps when he ran into a classmate in the hallway who was heading to the bathroom for a shower. It was the same classmate who had been scolded to tears before, and they were in the same class group.

"Good evening, Xu!" The classmate's eyes lit up when he saw him.

After yesterday's incident, everyone in their dorm now saw Xu Qingran as someone shining brightly. Especially after today's practice, where he, as an A-level with a similar spiritual pool to theirs, managed to complete the entire course like other S-level or even 3S-level students. It was truly impressive!

Xu Qingran nodded politely in response to the greeting. Before he could take another step, the classmate hesitated and added, "By the way, Xu, I saw you getting close to Feng Wei today. Have you become friends with him?"

Xu Qingran remained silent.

As a villain who was disliked wherever he went in his past life, he found it quite unusual that people kept bringing up the topic of making friends with him recently.

"Ah, sorry! I didn't mean to restrict or interfere with your social life! It's just... if it's Feng Wei, you should be careful when interacting with him."

This piqued Xu Qingran's interest slightly: "How so?"

The classmate hesitated for a long time before whispering, "Feng Wei's mood is quite unpredictable."

"I came from the same place as him, so I know a little about him. I heard that he had a very good friend in middle school, who was the class monitor. They were usually very close, but one day, the monitor spoke to him in a not-so-nice tone about some homework issues, and ended up being beaten into a coma."

"He's still lying in the hospital now."

Xu Qingran raised an eyebrow: "Such a big incident, didn't the family press charges?"

The classmate sighed, "Feng Wei's mother is the sister of the empire's monarch, a member of the royal family. The empire's laws... they're meant to control us commoners. The nobility has plenty of ways to settle issues."

The monitor's family background was simple, just ordinary people.

The royal family has the money and is willing to cover the medical expenses to settle the matter. The family, wanting their child to continue living, had no choice but to agree. If they didn't agree, not only would they lose both the person and the money, but their lives might become unbearable, and they might 'accidentally' disappear one day.

After hearing this, Xu Qingran didn't comment and went downstairs to work out.

However, the next day, when Feng Wei approached him again, saying he wanted to befriend him, Xu Qingran softened his previously cold demeanor and chuckled, "Alright."

Feng Wei, who thought it would take some time to persuade him, was surprised: "I didn't expect Young Master Xu to change his attitude so quickly?"

"I just realized," Xu Qingran said without changing his expression, "People like to associate with strong individuals. Having another powerful ally like you isn't a bad thing."

Feng Wei grinned, "Right, I think so too."

Time flew by, and before they knew it, a week had passed.

That night, when Ren Ping returned from the bathroom yawning, he saw Xu Qingran's bed was empty again: "Has Young Master Xu gone for his nightly jog again?"

Zhang Zhihe was doing push-ups on the floor, lowering his body as he answered, "Yes, I heard their group's recent project is the most devilish obstacle course. They're already worn out during the day, yet he still goes out every night to build his stamina."

He's the first to leave the dorm and the last to return.

Even if they initially had doubts and dissatisfaction towards Xu Qingran, as roommates, they now deeply respect him.

He's a real tough guy!

Hard on others, but even harder on himself, no wonder he's so impressive!

·

Downstairs, Xu Qingran unknowingly ran near the entrance of the dormitory area.

The system suddenly prompted him to look ahead.

In front of the dormitory entrance, several people were standing late at night.

Their outfits were quite lavish and impressive, standing there with a respectful demeanor towards a blond man.

Xu Qingran initially thought the man looked familiar, but didn't recognize him until he saw him casually pop a fruit candy into his mouth.

Suddenly, he remembered seeing him in the news before.

The colonel of the Golden Wing Battalion.

As he pondered, the system pointed out another middle-aged man with graying hair in the area.

His eyes were hazy, and he looked quite drunk, casually saying a few words to the blond man before waving and leaving.

The system said, "This man is your mother Qi Shengxue's first love interest."

Xu Qingran: "?"

Thinking of Xu Yan and then looking at the staggering, aimless drunkard leaving, he couldn't help but comment, "It seems Qi Shengxue didn't have the best taste in men."

"Not exactly," the system continued, "The reason he ended up like this is also due to Qi Shengxue's death."

"They were deeply in love back then, but your father Xu Yan came between them. The head of the Qi family at that time was quite traditional and conservative, valuing high compatibility data over fleeting emotions, believing that only two compatible souls could last together."

"So Qi Shengxue reluctantly married Xu Yan, and as compensation, the then prosperous Qi family provided her with a substantial dowry."

"But the compatibility data between Xu Yan and Qi Shengxue actually belonged to Qi Shengxue and her first love interest," the system rambled on, gradually distracting Xu Qingran from his running fatigue. "Remember, your stepmother's sister works in the official soulmate matching team."

"Your stepmother and Xu Yan were already together, planning to get married, when Xu Yan, who had just taken over the Xu family business, suddenly encountered a major problem. Fearing the Xu family would reclaim control, he turned his attention to the Qi family, then a major force in the business world."

"So he conspired with your stepmother's sister to switch the compatibility data and marry Qi Shengxue off."

"That's why Xu Yan treated Qi Shengxue so cruelly. He never had feelings for her; it was all about using her from the very beginning. His true love was your stepmother."

Xu Qingran paused and asked a question he had been wondering about for a long time: "Why does it sound like the Xu family can easily switch soulmate compatibility data? Isn't it supposed to be quite difficult?"

"It is difficult," the system said.

Only five people in the entire empire have mastered this technology, two of whom happen to be your stepmother's younger sister and her best friend. The reason this technology is rarely used is that the seemingly simple replacement process is actually very complex, mastered only by those with a Type I soul spirit ability, and requires exchanging part of the energy from the spirit pool.

Once or twice is manageable, but doing it too often will gradually drain the spirit pool, leading to a degradation of spiritual class and a reduction in lifespan. This is why most people's compatibility data remains securely protected, as the modifiers aren't so reckless as to gamble their talent and lifespan on mischief.

Even those willing to accept paid orders will consider carefully, as they won't take on too many orders in their lifetime, given the severe consequences. In the original world, Xu Qingran, as the protagonist burdened with a full stack of tragic debuffs, was unfortunate enough to have two people around who could help the Xu family stir up trouble.

The stepmother's aunt could profit from it and was willing to help out occasionally.

Including the best friend Xu Qingan went to see, who, thanks to the aunt's significant boost to her career and her desire to climb higher with her help, was willing to assist Xu Qingan.

While chatting with the system, Xu Qingran noticed the blond man at the dormitory entrance approaching his direction.

He was muttering, seemingly talking to someone.

"I said, sister, why are you so interested in the Xu family's eldest son?" Xie Nanjun's expression was extremely unpleasant. "I just arrived at the military academy base, and you're already rushing me to come to the dorm to find someone."

The female voice on the other end laughed mysteriously: "Oh, you wouldn't understand! Anyway, I have my reasons, just take a look for me!"

"I, a colonel of the Golden Wing Battalion, barging into a student dormitory at night to find a low-ranking loser. What reason should I give?"

Xie Nanjun pursed his lips, then thought of something, his expression turning to shock and anger: "You're not falling for him, are you?!"

"I warn you, dad won't let you marry someone from the Silver Dragon Battalion, especially someone as notorious as Xu Qingran! Forget dad, even I, as your brother, won't agree!"

"What are you talking about?" Xie Nanyi clicked her tongue through the communicator, sarcastically saying, "Besides, he might be someone's future treasure, how dare I snatch him?"

Xie Nanjun didn't understand, stunned: "You mean Lu Cheng?"

"Didn't they break up ages ago?" Mentioning someone from the Silver Dragon Battalion, his attitude instantly changed, "And what's there to fear about the Lu family from the Silver Dragon?! If you really like him, even someone from the Lu family should be snatched!"

"But to fancy Xu Qingran, I really don't know what kind of bizarre taste you have..." As Xie Nanjun spoke, a figure suddenly appeared in his sight.

Exceptionally good-looking, appearing gentle and obedient.

Judging by his state and attire, he was clearly a diligent student who still insisted on exercising at night.

Xie Nanjun appreciated students with such a mindset. He playfully shifted the candy to the other side of his mouth and asked with an approving look, "Classmate, are you training?"

"Mm," the person nodded calmly in response.

"Good, good," Xie Nanjun also nodded, his expression full of approval. "By the way, classmate, do you know a student named Xu Qingran?"

"I have something to discuss and would like to see him."

After Xie Nanjun finished asking, he saw the boy in front of him reveal a faint, ambiguous smile.

Then, the other replied indifferently, "I am Xu Qingran."

"Am I the person Colonel Xie is looking for?"

The evening breeze was slightly cool, and the surroundings were completely still.

Xie Nanjun thought for a moment before frowning and asking, "Are you Xu Qingran from the Silver Dragon Battalion, son of Xu Yan from Xu Construction Group, Young Master Xu?"

"Funny you should ask," Xu Qingran smiled gently, "I happen to be."

Another moment of silence followed.

The two eventually sat down face to face in one of the canteens within the dormitory area.

The time was approaching midnight, and the kitchen had already closed.

Only a few lights were on, and except for them, there was no one else in the canteen.

Xu Qingran slowly drank a cup of water he had gotten from the water dispenser, his expression quite calm. Xie Nanjun had a communication device hanging from his ear, inside which Xie Nanyi was excitedly asking, ignoring her brother's situation.

"Have you met him? What's he like? Is he good-looking?"

Xie Nanjun glanced at Xu Qingran and answered truthfully, "Really good-looking."

"What about his figure?"

Xie Nanjun: "He could walk the runway right now."

"Hmm, nice. What about his personality?"

Xie Nanjun thought, isn't the answer to this question something you could find with a quick search online?

But he still pondered and replied, "...Pretty hardworking."

At least that's all he could see for now.

"Is that so?" Xie Nanyi paused, then suddenly added, "Then do you think he is a good match for your general?"

"Match—" Xie Nanjun, who was about to give a perfunctory answer, suddenly stopped, incredulous, "Sis, who are you talking about?"

"Who do you think? Shen Tingyu, of course."

Xie Nanjun: "..."

He suddenly remembered that Xu Qingran was indeed staying at Shen Tingyu's house now, and he also recalled that the Shen family had recently announced that this was their youngest child, Shen Tianyi's future high-compatibility partner.

Is his sister trying to cause drama?!

Although he was also eager to find someone who could help Shen Tingyu with his illness, wouldn't it be inappropriate to steal his nephew's fiancée?

"It probably... wouldn't work," Xie Nanjun said, hesitating.

He remembered when Xu Qingran was first assigned to live at Shen Tingyu's place. For those few weeks, General Shen was in a foul mood at work, rarely cracking a smile even when directing them to clean up disaster zones.

Clearly, he wasn't fond of Xu Qingran, the outsider who had barged into his territory.

Not long ago, when Xu Qingran accidentally joined the wrong live stream, Xie Nanjun was out on a mission and missed the whole thing. But when he got back, he heard Shen Tingyu had blown up in the meeting room that day, probably because of this young master...

As he pondered this, Xu Qingran, who had just finished his water, sat straight and silently watched him, expressionless, radiating an inexplicable vibe—like someone who'd definitely butt heads with Shen Tingyu.

So Xie Nanjun was even more convinced: "I don't think it'll work."

Xie Nanyi pouted, "You think so?"

"Hey, don't they get a mid-year break? How about this—you try to get on his good side and bring him over during the break so I can check him out and see what he's like?"

"I swear, you guys see things so differently from us girls—"

Xie Nanjun hung up with a sigh, looking exasperated.

When he looked up, Xu Qingran asked, "You and Shen Tingyu close?"

Xie Nanjun shrugged, "We're cool."

"Mostly 'cause our families go way back. We grew up together, and years ago, he saved my sister's life with a heads-up. Aside from being a total pain, he's actually alright."

Xu Qingran nodded, seeming to get it.

"So... I heard you're living with him now. You two getting along okay?"

"It's fine," Xu Qingran said with a nod. "Just that sometimes he wants to kill me, and sometimes I wanna kill him too."

Xie Nanjun was speechless.

"But before I kill him, I gotta sleep with him first."

He said it dead serious.

"...What?" Xie Nanjun was floored.

What the hell was that? Was this even something he should be hearing? And was this even okay?

—And did his boss even know about this?

After dropping that bombshell, Xu Qingran headed back to his dorm, leaving the blond colonel sitting alone in the cafeteria, wondering what his life had come to.

·

The weather was still nice today.

Xu Qingran had gotten the hang of the obstacle course and cut his time down to around 220 minutes.

Now, he just needed to pick up the pace.

Outside the field, Xie Nanjun stood with his arms crossed, quietly watching Xu Qingran's training with a junior officer by his side.

Mostly because, ever since he got to the academy that morning, Xu Qingran's name kept popping up everywhere.

Students were chatting, and the academy's soldiers and instructors were also in on the conversation.

Xie Nanjun still remembered Xu Qingran as the physically weak guy who was embarrassingly infatuated with Lu Cheng. So, he was curious to see what made this recent sensation, who dared to aim for their general, stand out.

The more he watched, the more astonished he became.

Xu Qingran's performance didn't match the image of a spoiled young master with no training. He even started wondering if this guy could really become an E-type and, with his apparent skills, hold his own against their general.

Xie Nanjun watched, amazed.

Until a soldier beside him whispered, "Colonel Xie, we need to head to North Zone 8."

Xie Nanjun was a natural talent, exceptionally skilled at handling mechs. No matter how tricky or 'temperamental' a mech was, it would turn docile and perform flawlessly under his control. So, every year at the academy's start, they'd invite him—an alumnus—to teach the top players about mechs.

Hearing this, he put his hat back on and slipped away unnoticed.

This week, Xu Qingran found out from the instructors that the obstacle course was open at night for students prepping for the assessment, so he swapped his night runs for project practice.

In the senior class's field next door, many were pushing themselves hard. To Xu Qingran's surprise, many in the junior class also felt the pressure and were squeezing in every minute to train.

They were all students who'd fought to get into the Grandis Military Academy, and even in the junior class, few would fully slack off.

Xu Qingran looked around but didn't spot the lively and loud Feng Wei.

Then he got down to practice.

"180 minutes and 3 seconds!" On the daytime training field, the instructor was stunned by Xu Qingran's latest record.

He couldn't help but blurt out, "This is almost as good as the senior class's average!"

As an instructor, who wouldn't appreciate a hardworking, driven kid who delivers results?

The instructors overseeing Xu Qingran's project had recently revised their opinion of him, despite his rumored bad rep.

Feng Wei stood by, patting Xu Qingran's shoulder: "Wow, Young Master Xu, you're killing it! In just three weeks, you're only 15 minutes behind me!"

"Just more practice," Xu Qingran said calmly, "You could join me at night."

He wasn't too pleased with this result, as it was still way off Shen Tingyu's record.

Of course, Xu Qingran knew breaking Shen Tingyu's record in a month was impossible. His past life was over, and now he lagged far behind in both body and mind. But falling too far behind would really bug him.

So he wanted to see how far he could go if he gave it everything now.

After the instructor left, Feng Wei sighed: "Alright, alright, if I've got the energy, I'll grind with you."

As a result, this 3S-level confident player still did not show up.

Xu Qingran didn't care.

That night, he left the dormitory as usual to prepare for training.

When he went downstairs, he saw Xie Nanjun, who had been standing outside the dormitory for who knows how long. He was chewing bubble gum and seemed to be waiting for him.

Xie Nanjun was wearing casual sportswear tonight: "No other meaning, I just suddenly miss the hard days I endured during my school years, and today I also want to go to your training field to have some fun."

Xu Qingran stayed quiet, unsure if he bought the explanation.

Xie Nanjun was also feeling frustrated.

A few days ago, he couldn’t resist sending a message to Shen Tingyu, telling him he was at the Grandis Military Academy base and had met his future nephew-in-law. After much deliberation, he still didn’t dare to tell Shen Tingyu about Xu Qingran’s shocking statement.

Shen Tingyu, hearing from him that Xu Qingran was striving to break his record, laughed and said, "Alright, then you guide him."

Xie Nanjun’s brain almost short-circuited at that moment: "...Huh?"

He thought that given their strained relationship, Shen Tingyu would 'sneer with disdain.'

Shen Tingyu’s tone was casual: "He’s not like us; he had no prior exposure to these things. But he’s very smart. You don’t need to do anything special; just run through it once for him, and he’ll get it."

On one hand, Xie Nanjun was entrusted with this task, and on the other, he was genuinely curious if Xu Qingran could really prove Shen Tingyu’s point. With nothing better to do late at night, he decided to go.

He arrived at the training ground with Xu Qingran and made up an excuse to tell him, "Technically speaking, I’m your senior. As a junior, I suggest you stay on the spectator stand tonight and watch my entire run. You might pick up some useful tips from me."

Xu Qingran did not refuse.

Then Xie Nanjun really ran the entire course, and Xu Qingran watched intently, a thoughtful expression on his face.

When the timer stopped, the time was around 136 minutes. This was about 2 minutes off Xie Nanjun’s official school record, not a huge gap.

By the end, Xie Nanjun was soaked in sweat.

He kept complaining in his heart about why he had to help that bastard Shen Tingyu and his sister get familiar with people, but on the surface, he still carefully reminded, "Oh, by the way, from my experience, I suggest you try to avoid using your mental strength from today onwards, including during daytime training."

"If something goes wrong during the official assessment, you’ll thank me."

After saying this, Xie Nanjun waved and left with a flourish, muttering as he walked, "Damn, even after all these years, this is still the most terrifying course in the whole academy!"

Xu Qingran saw Xie Nanjun off, stood still for about ten minutes processing the information, then turned around and started training.

The following day, Xie Nanjun was back at the training ground, observing Xu Qingran’s training results.

The instructor excitedly called out his new time: 170 minutes, 54 seconds!

Xie Nanjun: "?"

Was this his time after completing the course without using mental strength? He’d only demonstrated it once yesterday! He’d already prepared excuses to run it several more times to help Xu Qingran understand!

Xie Nanjun’s expression changed dramatically.

He thought to himself, what kind of monster is this Young Master Xu?!

With talent like that, how could he only be A-level!