Chapter 57

Chapter 57

The training ground, bustling with noise just a second before, fell into an abrupt silence as figures appeared at the entrance.

Chi Yan, Qing Yileng, Jin Wumian, and Shen Yanfeng—individuals previously seen only in media reports—now stood before them in the flesh for the first time. The cadets' faces were etched with shock, their pupils betraying an uncontrollable tremor upon closer inspection.

"Did I wake up wrong? How could I possibly see the four marshals appearing at the Nawei Military Region!?"

Amidst the venue's profound silence, officers from the 12th Military Region, led by Qin Zhangzhou, began ascending the stage.

The four marshals quickly took their assigned seats. While the elite team formation ceremony appeared to proceed as scheduled, their presence had completely transformed the atmosphere. Even the most seasoned officers had lost their usual composure.

To be scrutinized by all four simultaneously—the pressure was simply immense.

Noticing everyone’s nervous expressions, Jin Wumian lightened the mood with a smile: "General Qin, you may begin. We're just here to observe. Don't mind us too much; just pretend we're not here."

"Understood," Qin Zhangzhou replied, though his temple pulsed uncontrollably from nervousness.

The gazes from behind felt like daggers, impossible to ignore. He cleared his throat softly and, in a highly formal tone, welcomed the four marshals on behalf of the Nawei Military Region. He then delivered an inspiring address to the cadets, thus concluding the opening remarks.

The leaders of the 12th Military Region then took turns announcing the elite squad roster.

Cadets whose names were called stepped forward to receive the mecha storage buttons, used in the reserve selection project, from their instructors.

Throughout the entire announcement, the venue remained so hushed it felt like a solemn funeral.

Everyone's eyes periodically darted towards the back, where only Jin Wumian appeared relaxed, his expression serene. He occasionally exchanged a few words with Chi Yan and Qing Yileng beside him, making him the sole figure at ease.

After the announcements for the other military regions were completed, only the No. 6616 Military Region remained.

Chi Yan noticed Xiao Nuoya, the leader of the No. 6616 Military Region, stepping onto the stage and cast an upward glance.

Jin Wumian observed this and offered a knowing smile: "So, your target is the No. 6616 Military Region."

Chi Yan did not deny it. He simply lowered his gaze, listening as Xiao Nuoya announced the elite team roster. His eyes swept over the cadets stepping onto the stage before slowly withdrawing.

The absence of that particular individual was, as expected, not a surprise.

Bai Luming stood within the ranks of the No. 6616 Military Region, observing the expressions of those on stage, and silently shook his head.

He knew that these individuals appearing together never boded well. Sure enough, they were all here for him.

As anticipated, just as the elite team rosters for all 12 military regions were announced with Xiao Nuoya’s departure, Chi Yan slowly rose from his chair.

The distance was too great for Bai Luming to discern what was being said on stage. After a brief exchange, a flicker of shock crossed Qin Zhangzhou’s eyes. Then, leading the way, he began guiding the marshals toward the cadet formations below the stage.

Bai Luming: "..."

Though he had long suspected that their simultaneous appearance spelled trouble, their current approach was simply too extreme.

This formation was clearly designed to cut off all his escape routes—they wouldn't stop until they cornered him, would they?

This was likely the most surreal day for all the cadets of the 12th Military Region.

They stood in formation, experiencing a close encounter with the four marshals.

Equally bewildered were the accompanying officers.

No matter how hard they racked their brains, they could never have imagined that the four marshals would be this approachable.

The cadet formation of the No. 6616 Military Region, where Bai Luming was positioned, stood in the farthest corner.

He watched as the bustling entourage slowly approached, glancing for the umpteenth time at the barbed wire fences surrounding the training ground, contemplating the possibility of making a run for it.

He Yilan stood behind him, observing the entire scene.

He took two slight steps forward, his chest almost brushing Bai Luming’s back, and murmured in a voice only they could hear, "Regretting not eloping with me now?"

"Indeed," Bai Luming replied candidly. "If possible, I'd like a chance to choose again."

He Yilan's dry, humorless chuckle was his only response: "Too late."

The tone of this reply betrayed no additional emotion.

Bai Luming didn’t need to turn around to imagine the man’s current expression.

At the very least, it was clear that this man no longer had the inclination to enjoy the spectacle from the sidelines.

After all, not only Shen Yanfeng but also Qing Yileng of the Azure Shadow Legion had come.

As the head of Zhong Sheng Machinery, even if Mr. He rarely interacted with other legions, his long-standing partnership with the Green Army meant he was intimately familiar with Marshal Qing Yileng.

Thinking of this, Bai Luming suddenly smiled.

Indeed, the old saying held true: it’s not that one can’t have bad luck—it’s just that one shouldn’t have bad luck alone.

Having one's identity exposed wasn't terrifying—as long as he wasn't the only one exposed.

In the blink of an eye, the much-watched group arrived before the No. 6616 Military Region.

Jin Wumian noticed the distinct demeanor the others had toward the No. 6616 Military Region and, upon arrival, curiously glanced toward the formation.

Rong Wenyu, who had been accompanying them throughout, seized the opportune moment to speak: "Marshal Jin, this is Ji Xinghan, one of the new recruits our legion has pre-approved."

Jin Wumian smiled and nodded at Ji Xinghan. After a thorough appraisal, he praised without reservation: "Quite good-looking. He embodies the spirit of our Gold Army."

This uniquely angled compliment caused Ji Xinghan’s usually stern expression to subtly stiffen for a moment.

Rong Wenyu cleared his throat, signaling his marshal to be more serious, and earnestly recommended: "Marshal, he currently ranks first among all cadets in the simulation system and has just secured a spot in the No. 6616 Military Region’s elite team. His abilities are quite impressive."

Jin Wumian nodded: "Sounds indeed impressive. Ji Xinghan, was it? Do your best in the upcoming selection assessments."

Ji Xinghan: "I will."

If Jin Wumian hadn't paid much attention before, seeing Ji Xinghan’s composed and respectful demeanor now finally drew a trace of approval in his eyes.

The exchange between the two became the focal point of the entire venue.

Bai Luming stood within the formation, feeling the envious glances from all around settling on Ji Xinghan, his own expression remaining completely unfazed.

He watched calmly as the gazes of the other three marshals slowly swept across the formation. Then, he watched as one gaze after another gradually converged on him, pausing precisely on him through the intervening crowd.

Jin Wumian’s voice in the surroundings felt like a distant background noise, abruptly isolated.

Chi Yan’s pale eyes deepened with an unprecedented intensity. Beside him, Shen Yanfeng’s eyes widened slightly, trembling visibly as he clearly struggled to restrain himself from rushing directly toward Bai Luming. As for Qing Yileng, his face remained impassive. After a fixed gaze at Bai Luming, his eyes shifted to a spot not far behind.

Who he had noticed was self-evident.

Bai Luming heard He Yilan behind him let out a deep sigh.

He blinked slowly, realizing there was no longer any need to hide. He waved to them from a distance, then lifted the corner of his mouth in a meaningful smirk and silently made a throat-slitting gesture. It felt less like a signal and more like an overt threat.

They were all intelligent people; they understood perfectly.

Jin Wumian finally sensed the subtle atmosphere in the room. Noticing their gazes, he looked up, and his smile faltered slightly. In disbelief, his handsome eyes widened a fraction.

"Weren't we here to scout new recruits? Why is someone suddenly performing a resurrection act!?"

Rong Wenyu, who had been introducing Ji Xinghan’s outstanding performance, noticed Jin Wumian’s expression: “Marshal Jin, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing…” Jin Wumian finally realized their true purpose for being there. Glancing subtly at the others, he smiled faintly. “I just didn’t expect the No. 6616 Military Region to produce such outstanding talent. I’m quite pleased.”

Liang Deng, standing nearby, felt both thrilled and embarrassed: “No, no, it’s mainly thanks to Xinghan’s own hard work and training.”

Instructors from other military regions kept glancing over, their envious eyes practically boring holes into Liang Deng.

Jin Wumian’s gaze lingered subtly on Bai Luming’s figure, his words loaded with implication: “Well, everyone, have any of you spotted any promising new recruits?”

Chi Yan’s extremely light eye color made it hard to discern his exact focus.

Having taken in Bai Luming’s threatening signal, he slowly lowered his eyelids: “Not for now.”

Shen Yanfeng dearly wanted to approach Bai Luming but could tell Marshal Bai didn’t wish to reveal his identity here. He spoke up promptly: “It’s getting late. Perhaps we should call it a day and head back to rest.”

Jin Wumian chuckled: “Rest? What rest? Don’t our military regions have a meeting tonight?”

Shen Yanfeng said nothing.

He was about to make an excuse when Qing Yileng responded: “Indeed. General Qin, would it be possible to borrow the conference hall tonight?”

Qin Zhangzhou hurriedly said: “Of course, no problem.”

Chi Yan added: “It’s a confidential meeting. We’ll need to clear the room. Apologies.”

Qin Zhangzhou was very understanding: “Understood! I’ll make the arrangements right away!”

Jin Wumian cast one last glance in Bai Luming’s direction, then lightly clapped his hands: “Alright, time to head back. Everyone, see you at the meeting tonight.”

Before turning to leave, he didn’t forget to give Ji Xinghan an encouraging pat on the shoulder: “You’re good. Keep it up.”

Their departure was as sudden as their arrival.

It took a long while for the students to snap out of it, and the training ground soon erupted into deafening screams.

Bai Luming gazed toward the door and asked without turning his head: “Any thoughts?”

He Yilan offered just four words: “Thanks to you.”

Bai Luming smiled faintly at that: “You’re too kind.”

He Yilan glanced at Bai Luming’s expression: “And you can still laugh.”

Though he said this, his own face showed little tension, maintaining its usual calm demeanor.

“If I don’t laugh, should I cry instead?”

Bai Luming checked the time. “Let’s go. If we head back to the dorm now, we might still have time for a shower.”

As it turned out, Bai Luming’s timing was spot on. Just as he finished showering, someone knocked on the dorm door.

He opened it to find Huo Mingyue standing there, looking anxious but getting straight to the point: “Hello, would you mind coming with me to the conference hall?”

Bai Luming nodded helplessly: “Sure, sure. It’s not like I have a choice anyway.”

*

Nawei Military Region Conference Hall.

Jin Wumian tapped his fingers lightly on the table, sweeping a smirk-laden gaze over the other three present: “I knew there was a reason you all came all this way. So you really were hiding something here. You’ve been dropping hints but never telling me outright, keeping me in the dark. Is that fun?”

Qing Yileng shot him a look: “You can only blame yourself for not being perceptive enough.”

Jin Wumian: “I came as soon as I noticed you were up to something. How much more perceptive do I need to be? If there’s anything special lately, it’s that Ah Yan’s record was suddenly broken…”

He cut himself off abruptly: “Was it that thing that broke the record?”

Shen Yanfeng had heard enough: “That’s not what—”

Realizing it didn’t sound right either, he cleared his throat and corrected: “Marshal Jin, please show some respect with your wording.”

“Respect? Since when did he ever hold back cursing me out to my face?” Jin Wumian said dismissively, then checked the time. “Weren’t you supposed to have sent for him? He’s not here yet. Did he run away?”

At those words, the others frowned slightly.

A voice deep inside told them that if it was that person, it was indeed a possibility.

“Honestly, we should’ve just called him out in broad daylight instead of being polite.”

Jin Wumian rose as he spoke, intending to go check himself, when the conference hall door was shoved open impatiently.

“Expose what? I haven’t even accused you all of harassment yet.”

A figure stepped into their view, walked to the head of the conference table with extreme reluctance, pulled out a chair, and sat down. His gaze slowly swept over everyone. “After all these years, are you four really so bored—so utterly bored—that you came all this way just to reminisce with me? Unnecessary, don’t you think?”

Bai Luming’s voice hung in the conference room, met with prolonged silence.

The four present stared at someone who had been reported dead in dozens of different ways in various magazines and novels. After what felt like an eternity, Jin Wumian finally couldn’t help but quip: “You’ve been dead for three or four years. Is it really appropriate for you to say that?”

Bai Luming sat there, lazily lifting his eyelids, unapologetic and self-assured: “Why wouldn’t it be?”

He tapped the table for emphasis and asked with genuine curiosity: “More importantly, you know I’ve been dead for three or four years. Have you ever heard the saying ‘you can’t force a melon to be sweet’? Is it really appropriate to chase after me like this?”

Jin Wumian: “?”

So now he’s turning the tables?

This masterful reversal left the conference room in brief silence.

Indeed, this person’s shamelessness knew no bounds. Everyone here had come for him, yet the moment he stepped through the door, he managed to put them on the spot.