“Chapter Eighty-Eight”

"Chapter Eighty-Eight"

"Ji Lun and Baisha intensely focused on each other's weaknesses, exchanging blows in several rounds. Baisha's actions became increasingly decisive and ruthless."

"Her hands swept over the controls like a phantom, and her somewhat unstable mech due to joint damage suddenly charged towards Ji Lun. She flipped the sword in mid-air, creating a dazzling trail of stars, splitting the air like lightning."

"The scattered dust and leaves burst open."

"The black mech couldn't dodge the strike and had to bend its arms to protect its vital parts, enduring the scorching heat from the light sword."

"There was a harsh sound as the mech's arm was pierced."

"The black mech used the momentum to move away, grabbing its other damaged arm, distancing itself from Baisha."

"In the next instant, without any hesitation, the black mech tore off its own immobile arm."

"Baisha watched the sparks flash in surprise, shocked by Ji Lun's action—he was still psychically linked to the mech, wasn’t he? To forcibly tear off the arm like that? Even if he adjusted the sensory synchronization to the lowest, it would still cause significant pain."

"In the moment of Baisha's astonishment, Ji Lun, piloting the black mech, glided towards her like a specter, a sharp sound cutting through the air, suddenly rushing close to Baisha’s ear."

"Bang, bang."

"Two silent dark guns completely shattered Baisha's already heavily damaged mech."

"This was an entirely unfamiliar sensation."

"Baisha incredulously watched her mech fall apart, feeling as though she was suddenly plummeting into an abyss, her vision turning black."

"The next second, a massive transparent ripple, centered around her body, spread outwards with overwhelming force."

"The phantom of a mystical bird suddenly spread its wings behind her, its feather edges shimmering with colors, like blue flames burning."

"The giant bird raised its head, its fierce psychic power intertwining, creating a hurricane-like force that swept across the entire training ground."

“……”

"'Your Highness…'"

"'Your Highness! Are you alright?'"

"Voices calling out brought Baisha back to reality."

"She felt a sharp headache, covering her head and opening her eyes to find herself sitting amidst ruins, with her severely damaged mech piled beside her, covered in leaves and dust."

"'Your Highness, are you okay?'"

"The inquiry came again from above."

"Looking up, Baisha saw Ji Lun kneeling on one knee before her, his amber-colored eyes filled with concern."

"'I'm fine,' Baisha blinked, feeling almost fully recovered. She leaned on Ji Lun's arm to stand up, surveying the scene around her, her eyebrows twitching, 'Did I do all this?'"

"'It was your psychic form’s subconscious defensive reaction,' Ji Lun explained, 'Perhaps the first destruction of your mech affected your psychic state. However, this kind of reaction usually only happens once. Next time, you’ll be prepared and get used to it.'"

"Baisha: 'There will be a next time?'"

"Ji Lun fell silent for a moment, his gaze slightly lowered, 'I'm sorry, perhaps I was too harsh. If you don’t want to continue training, I can take you back to Yodou Star immediately.'"

"Baisha immediately objected, 'I don’t want to stop... it's just that I’ve made such a mess of your training ground. I apologize, and I’ll pay for the repairs.'"

"'There’s no need. I have several similar training grounds. We can continue anytime,' Ji Lun said, looking up."

"Baisha inexplicably thought he resembled a black panther with its ears pricked up."

"'Let's rest for a while; if you’re not tired, I am,' Baisha said, sitting cross-legged on the spot. She really felt her psychic energy reserves had diminished significantly, 'General Ji Lun, you really went all out, almost causing me a mental trauma...'"

"Ji Lun's gaze dropped again."

"Baisha: 'Cough, well, I need some emotional comfort right now...'"

"Ji Lun: '...'"

"Without any action from him, a sleek black panther materialized at his feet."

"Baisha's eyes instantly lit up."

"The black panther growled softly, a sound not strong enough to cause air vibrations, more like a display of affection or expressing emotions."

"It swayed its tail back and forth, gracefully stepping beside Baisha’s knee and rubbing its head against her palm with half-closed eyes."

"Baisha restrained her impulse and gently lifted her hand—beginning to stroke the panther."

"Baisha and the psychic form, a girl and a panther, played joyfully, while Ji Lun stood like an outsider. But he wasn’t entirely detached, as Baisha’s petting of the panther did affect him: from behind, his ears were tinted a faint red."

"After playing with the black panther for five minutes, Ji Lun suddenly withdrew his psychic form."

"'That’s enough,' Ji Lun said, 'Rest a bit more, and then we'll hurry to the next training ground.'"

"Baisha, still wanting more, reached out into the air, subconsciously grabbing onto Ji Lun’s sleeve."

"Baisha: 'That was too short a time.'"

"Ji Lun didn't turn back to look at her, patiently and tightly saying, 'His Majesty sent you here for special training, not to lose yourself in frivolities.'"

"'How is interacting with a psychic form considered frivolous?' Baisha persisted stubbornly, 'That black panther isn't a cat I own—' She stopped herself mid-sentence."

"Thankfully you realize that it's a black panther, not your pet cat. Ji Lun thought to himself. The words turned in his mouth, and what he said was, 'If you win a round, I'll let you play with it for an hour.'"

"Baisha: '...Really?'"

"Ji Lun: 'I won’t go back on my word.'"

"Unfortunately, in the following hours of intense training, with Ji Lun showing his true strength, Baisha never got to touch the black panther again. Instead, she found herself on the receiving end of his attacks."

"However, this kind of training was predictable and of moderate intensity. Ji Lun, although not a formal instructor, had a knack for training. He keenly identified Baisha's shortcomings, forcing her to reflect and improve in the midst of combat. After several sessions, Baisha felt she had gained immensely."

"The learning efficiency was indeed very high."

"The only drawback was that 'touching the black panther' became Baisha's fixation throughout the days of special training, eventually turning into her obsession."

"After the training ended, Baisha returned to Yodou Star on her own."

"Upon meeting the Emperor, Cecil Roning scanned her and asked, 'How was the training?'"

"'Not bad,' she replied."

"Baisha's body was covered in minor wounds, which had all healed after lying in the healing chamber, leaving only faint white lines on her skin, like indistinct etchings on flawless white jade."

"Her demeanor, however, had changed, becoming more restrained, like a blade sheathed in its scabbard, exuding a chilling aura only felt when approached closely."

"The Emperor observed Baisha's growth with satisfaction and relief, and then heard his niece ask in a pleading tone:"

"'Uncle, can we keep a panther?'"