Chapter 63 Ultimate

Chapter 63 Ultimate

Huo Zeshen spent his rut in a specially designed room at the military facility.

Having shattered three instruments during his pheromone level assessment, he was assigned to the highest-level room.

The room contained only a bed and a desk, with a door leading to a bathroom and a window overlooking the vast, starry sky.

Huo Zeshen experienced his rut with remarkable calmness. After injecting the inhibitor on the desk, he sat on the bed, head bowed, deep in thought.

Unlike typical Alphas, Huo Zeshen did not suffer through his rut with shouts of agony or intense irritability. Instead, he focused intently on one spot, seemingly spacing out.

Perhaps due to limited contact with Omegas, Huo Zeshen felt little desire stirred within him—until he fell asleep and dreamed of Lin Juangui, whose body was adorned with golden markings.

In the dream, Lin Juangui showed little expression and spoke sparingly when with Huo Zeshen. Even when Huo Zeshen caused him pain, he would only frown slightly and arch his hips as if to pull away.

But Huo Zeshen refused to let him.

His large hand caressed the smooth skin of Lin Juangui’s thigh, pulling the person in his arms closer. Watching Lin Juangui tilt his head back and tremble filled Huo Zeshen with immense satisfaction.

When Huo Zeshen awoke from the dream, his lower abdomen was already wet. The hormones of an Alpha in rut were uncontrollable—a normal phenomenon, as he had learned in physiology class. After allowing his body to calm down, Huo Zeshen took a shower.

Yet, memories of previous dreams began to haunt him.

He had taken Lin Juangui to bathe under a waterfall in the Jade Valley. Lin Juangui’s skin grew even paler after being soaked in water, and with droplets clinging to his eyelashes, he looked incredibly beautiful, radiating a soft luminescence.

Huo Zeshen helped clean Lin Juangui with his hands, said apologetically with a smile, "You never tell me how you feel, so I have to figure it out bit by bit. Was the position from yesterday alright?"

Lin Juangui turned his head away, refusing to look at Huo Zeshen. Huo Zeshen gently touched Lin Juangui’s flushed earlobe and kissed the golden patterns on his shoulder.

In the dream, Lin Juangui never responded to Huo Zeshen, nor did he utter a single word. Yet, the mere sight of him brought Huo Zeshen a sense of peaceful contentment.

Sometimes, Huo Zeshen felt he was self-flagellating.

Lin Juangui clearly held no extra affection for him, viewing Huo Zeshen only as a pitiful child in need of care. Yet, in his dreams, Huo Zeshen would take liberties with Lin Juangui, making him feel like a bastard.

But during his rut, Huo Zeshen couldn’t help but recall the aloof yet alluring Lin Juangui. In his dreams, he could even feel the soft warmth of Lin Juangui’s narrow waist beneath his hands.

It felt downright wicked.

After his rut ended, Huo Zeshen returned to his school dormitory.

Di Shuo bounded over excitedly, announcing that the triennial Federal Games were about to begin. The joint training exercises specifically designed for military academy students would also be part of the competition. He asked Huo Zeshen if he planned to participate.

The university-level competitions were far more advanced than those in high school—no longer childish games like running or high jump. The results of the joint training would impact future military postings, and no one took it lightly.

Huo Zeshen would definitely compete; he never passed up an opportunity to earn honors. Upon hearing this, Di Shuo felt relieved.

"Give it your all, man! My spending money depends on you!"

Di Shuo had put money on Huo Zeshen to win first place in the individual competition, having full confidence in his roommate.

Huo Zeshen, however, warned Di Shuo not to celebrate too soon. "There’s always someone better. Don’t lose everything you have."

"As long as you don’t throw the fight, you’re definitely taking first place. No question about it!"

Huo Zeshen grinned. "Then I’ll have to test out the new mecha I acquired recently."

At the military facility, Huo Zeshen had tried many mechas, but none could withstand his fighting style, which worried Mu Yuanqing.

Then, a man who introduced himself as Liang approached Huo Zeshen, offering to sponsor a mecha for him. Skeptical yet curious, Huo Zeshen tested it and nodded to Mu Yuanqing, who stood beside Liang Yu outside the cockpit.

Mu Yuanqing sighed deeply and turned to Liang Yu. "How long have you been planning for this day?"

Liang Yu positioned himself with his back to Huo Zeshen to avoid revealing his lip movements. "With such a perfect test subject right here, how could I not test its power? I’ve grown tired of the endless experimental games the old man plays. Let’s give him some hope first."

Mu Yuanqing sneered. "How devoted of you."

"Of course." Liang Yu turned to Huo Zeshen and said, "Student Huo, if this mecha suits you, put it to good use. I look forward to your performance in the joint training."

After Liang Yu left the training room, Huo Zeshen exited the cockpit and asked Mu Yuanqing, "You seem troubled. Is there something wrong with this mecha?"

After nearly a year of interaction, Mu Yuanqing and Huo Zeshen had grown closer. Though Mu Yuanqing wasn’t particularly nurturing, he provided everything Huo Zeshen needed, earning Huo Zeshen’s gratitude.

Mu Yuanqing treated Huo Zeshen like a younger brother. Bound by a confidentiality agreement with Sword, he couldn’t reveal everything but warned Huo Zeshen to be careful while piloting the mecha.

"You can unleash its power, but beware of it consuming you in return."

Blessings and curses often come together. The secret of the ultimate weapon was a trap set by its greedy creator. Unable to disclose everything, Mu Yuanqing could only guide Huo Zeshen to discover the truth on his own.

But Huo Zeshen had already figured it all out.

The reason Lin Juangui had him approach Mu Yuanqing, Mu Yuanqing’s unspoken past, and the beginning of Huo Zeshen’s tragedies—all originated from this mecha named "Ultimate."

As the chosen special specimen, Huo Zeshen had finally caught the attention of the architect behind those sinful experiments.

Huo Zeshen smiled as he looked at the blue-and-black mecha.

Let’s see whether he would be consumed first or those sons of bitches would meet their end.

-

When Lin Juangui learned that Huo Zeshen had obtained "Ultimate" from Liang Yu, he couldn’t suppress a laugh.

He turned to Mu Zhang with an entertained look. "What was the point of all your efforts at Cloud Harbor Star? You even made an enemy of Liang Shanyue, and now the thing you wanted wound up in Liang Yu’s hands and was handed off so casually. How amusing."

Mu Zhang hadn’t expected the mecha to be so easily handed to Huo Zeshen. Watching Lin Juangui’s teasing expression, he wondered if Lin Juangui truly no longer cared about Huo Zeshen.

Lin Juangui showed no particular attachment, merely finding the situation entertaining.

With Liang Yu’s involvement, the plot was becoming increasingly intriguing. Lin Juangui couldn’t stand by and let this variable ruin his game board. He needed to find an opportunity to discuss collaboration with Liang Yu.

Liang Yu was ambitious. As long as Liang Xiancheng was alive, he had to obey the old man, unable to focus on his own goals.

Since there was a rift between the grandfather and grandson, Lin Juangui could drive a wedge between them. Liang Yu’s position could be of great help to him.

Mu Zhang detected nothing unusual in Lin Juangui’s smile and redirected his attention to Huo Zeshen.

But in just over a year, had Huo Zeshen already gained the ability to pilot a top-tier mecha? Or did his pheromone level compensate for his operational inexperience and gaps?

Having interned at the military facility for over half a year, Huo Zeshen already held an advantage over other military academy students.

His rate of growth was downright monstrous.

Since Liang Yu was so confident, it was time to see for himself.

Mu Zhang stood up and instructed Ge Miao to make arrangements.

As the main sponsor of the Federal Games, Lin Juangui’s "Runlin" Group quickly gained recognition. It was only natural for him to attend any competition he wished.

Mu Zhang's impatience took Lin Juangui by surprise. "What's this? Before you wouldn't let me see people, and now you're willing to let me go?"

The "him" Lin Juangui referred to was, of course, Huo Zeshen.

Mu Zhang narrowed his eyes and smiled. "You should worry first about whether that kid still remembers you. Don't tell me that having me and Mu Yuanqing isn't enough, and you still haven't forgotten your habit of playing the field?"

"Heh." Lin Juangui threw the book he was reading hard in Mu Zhang's direction. "Don't make me out to be some insatiable playboy. This is just how I am by nature. Can you stop others from looking at me?"

Lin Juangui spread his arms wide, struck a pose of self-adoration. Mu Zhang took a deep breath, gritting his teeth in irritation. After catching the book and setting it aside, he pinched Lin Juangui's nose. "You just know how to make me angry."

People need time to adjust to each other. As long as Mu Zhang didn't get too fixated and avoided talking about love with Lin Juangui, Lin Juangui was still willing to engage with him.

If Mu Zhang suddenly had a sudden fit and confessed his feelings to Lin Juangui, Lin Juangui would simply say, "I see," and then go about his business as if nothing happened.

The two seemed to have found a new balance. Lin Juangui was gradually encroaching on Mu Zhang's turf, while Mu Zhang let Lin Juangui do as he pleased. This indulgence was unparalleled, but Mu Zhang always kept it in check.

Mu Zhang had to have something to keep Lin Juangui hooked; he would never allow himself to become useless and be tossed aside like garbage.

-

When Lin Juangui was a child, he would pass by an electronics store on his way home from school and see animated shows playing on TV. Many boys would gather around, excitedly watching the protagonist transform, copying the moves and reciting the lines.

Back then, Lin Juangui was only seven or eight years old. He wasn't a sociable child and certainly wouldn't join other boys in front of the TV to watch cartoons. So, he had no fantasies or particular interest in mechas.

As an outsider, Lin Juangui didn't understand why people in this world were so fanatical about mechas. However, the enthusiasm of the live audience on the day the joint training officially began still managed to amaze him.

The holographic screen in the center of the venue projected the host and commentators' passionate images on all sides. Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui had just taken their seats in the VIP box when the camera focused on Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui smiled, instantly causing an uproar in the venue.

It was worth noting that most of the audience were Alphas. Seeing Lin Juangui present in person was naturally exciting, especially since he was the sponsor of this year's Federal Games and had been involved in charity work for many years. Everyone hoped to get his attention.

It was an unspoken rule among media outlets that Mu Zhang disliked being on camera. So, once the camera moved away, Lin Juangui turned to look at Mu Zhang beside him. "What should I do? I'm about to become the main attraction."

Where there were Omegas, there were bound to be Alphas preening. Even though Lin Juangui's partner was Mu Zhang, it didn't stop others from subtly displaying their charm.

Mu Zhang gave a cold smile. "Given your current status, whether you become a dish or not is entirely up to you. But I won't allow anyone else to have you. No one."

Lin Juangui laughed heartily, leaning back into the soft chair and opening his neural interface to start working. "My assistant told me this competition will last for several days. You didn't really need to come so early. Wouldn't it be more surprising to sweeten the pot during the finals?"

The VIP box also had three separate screens for viewers to choose individual feeds of the competitors. The competition hadn't started yet, but Mu Zhang's intention was already clear.

"I need to see that kid's skills. Aren't you surprised he's grown so quickly in such a short time?"

Lin Juangui looked up. "Not surprised. I always thought he had great potential."

Sometimes mixing truth and lies was the best way to obscure the truth.

Mu Zhang had always wondered why Lin Juangui cared so much about Huo Zeshen. He had come up with many reasons, but hearing Lin Juangui mention it himself today finally set his mind at rest.

"Then your wishful thinking is going to fail."

In truth, Mu Zhang didn't doubt Lin Juangui's original intention in doing good deeds. But Lin Juangui was no ignorant fool. His recent actions to take out the competition showed he was both strategic and ruthless.

Lin Juangui was adept at finding others' weaknesses and crushing them in one blow. Those who stood in his way were always easily brushed aside, whether openly or discreetly.

Mu Zhang was no longer surprised by anything Lin Juangui did. To him, Lin Juangui's ambition was a good thing—at least he could propel Lin Juangui upward, and Lin Juangui would still need him.

Even though it was now difficult for Huo Zeshen and Lin Juangui to meet, Mu Zhang couldn't drop his guard. He absolutely could not give these two any chance to be alone together. Even if Lin Juangui seemed indifferent to Huo Zeshen now, he couldn't relax. If Huo Zeshen came back to Lin Juangui, it would all be for nothing.

Lin Juangui could pretty much guess Mu Zhang's thoughts, so he couldn't afford to show his hand at a time like this.

Liang Yu was a wild card. He didn't exist in the original plot, and after appearing, he directly gave Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing what they had destroyed in the finale to Huo Zeshen.

Fortunately, Huo Zeshen hadn't developed a romantic line with Mu Yuanqing in the military department, otherwise Lin Juangui would have spit blood.

Now it was up to Huo Zeshen's performance.

An unconscious smile spread across Lin Juangui's lips.

Let him see how far Huo Zeshen had grown.

For this joint training, Huo Zeshen spent almost every day in the training room running tests on "Ultimate" and adjusting parameters. He just wanted to ensure he could maximize its combat effectiveness during combat.

The boy had gradually grown into a dependable man. His facial features had become more chiseled and angular, with a particularly handsome bridge between his brow and nose—straight and prominent.

Before entering the arena, Huo Zeshen's expression was serious. He wasn't particularly nervous, but this training was a way to demonstrate his prowess.

According to Star-Net reports, Lin Juangui sponsored this year's Federal Games. If Huo Zeshen could take first place, he might have a chance to get a glimpse from afar of Lin Juangui at the banquet.

Huo Zeshen regretted his decision to never appear before Lin Juangui again.

He still missed Lin Juangui deeply. Even the briefest mentions of him on the Star-Net were screenshotted and saved in Huo Zeshen's private folder.

So he would give it all.

When the live broadcast cut to Lin Juangui's face, Huo Zeshen's eyes locked on the screen.

He's actually here...

Did he come to see me? Or is it just routine for him?

Huo Zeshen lowered his head and took a deep breath, his earlier composure began to falter.

As an outstanding representative of the freshmen, Huo Zeshen had to deliver an address on stage.

Huo Zeshen disliked this kind of attention. It was completely unnecessary and wasted his training time. But the department head said the speech was already prepared, and Huo Zeshen only needed to read it fluently.

With that, the department head patted Huo Zeshen's shoulder. "You're bringing honor to our college! Let them see the charisma of the top exam scorer!"

"..."

Huo Zeshen took everything seriously. Although he had only started practicing this speech a few days ago, on stage he was articulate and clear, combining mature steadiness with youthful determination. Many in the audience watched him with meaningful smiles, including Lin Juangui.

When Huo Zeshen wasn't smiling, he had a captivating aura he himself hardly noticed. In front of Lin Juangui, he always smiled like a fool, but outside he wore a cold, aloof type demeanor. This contrast deeply appealed to Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui remembered once waiting for Huo Zeshen after work at the hospital and seeing him expressionlessly and sternly grading graduate thesis papers.

Lin Juangui watched quietly for a long time. Only after Huo Zeshen finished speaking with his student did he knock on the office door.

When Huo Zeshen noticed Lin Juangui, he immediately broke into a gentle smile, his change in expression so swift it astounded the graduate student still nearby.

"Don't be so serious. You look much better when you smile."

The graduate student knew her mentor had a very handsome boyfriend, who wore frameless glasses, was refined and elegant, dressed in well-fitted suits—a typical high-powered executive.

After greeting him as "Uncle-Master," the graduate student quickly left, afraid to disturb Huo Zeshen and Lin Juangui's time alone.

Lin Juangui chuckled happily. He asked Huo Zeshen, "So my seniority just went up like that?"

Huo Zeshen had no intention whatsoever of hiding his romantic relationship from those around him. He took Lin Juangui's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, his movements tender. "They'll find out sooner or later anyway. It's not like you're someone to be ashamed of."

Back then, Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen's relationship was peaceful and stable. Who could have imagined it would turn into the current situation where they could only gaze at each other from afar?

After Huo Zeshen left the stage, many people applauded him. Everyone was discussing him, and upon learning he was Huo Zeshen, they couldn't help but express amazement.

"I heard he'll be coming of age soon. He finished high school in just one year—such talent is truly rare."

"I think he's also an orphan, right? His home was taken over by the Insectoids. He must be burning with desire for revenge."

"Oh, I remember now. Isn't he one of the first orphans Lin Juangui sponsored? Did Lin Juangui come today to root for him?"

"Who knows? Lin Juangui only donates money these days and doesn't show up on the front lines for charity work. Maybe they're not even connected anymore."

"Omegas and Alphas should keep their distance anyway. It’s better to avoid any strange rumors. Lin Juangui does value his reputation quite a bit."

"..."

Huo Zeshen kept Lin Juangui in his peripheral vision the whole time. He saw Lin Juangui applauding for him, and a warm feeling flowed through his heart.

He knew he should knew when to stop, or else people would definitely notice something suspicious.

Since Lin Juangui had come to watch, Huo Zeshen was determined to win the first-place championship trophy no matter what.

This joint training competition was divided into team competitions, doubles matches, and individual matches. For team events, teachers arranged the pairings. Huo Zeshen had signed up for the doubles match with a senior two years his elder, and they had been training together for nearly half a month. Their coordination was seamless, and Huo Zeshen was very confident.

But even if Huo Zeshen could ensure he wouldn’t be sabotaged, there were still people who wanted to see him embarrass himself.

The doubles match, as the opening event of the joint training competition, drew significant attention even if it wasn’t the main event.

After leaving the stage, Huo Zeshen tried to contact his senior partner, but the senior wasn’t responding to messages. Huo Zeshen had no choice but to go to the teacher to inquire about his partner’s situation.

A few minutes later, the teacher called Huo Zeshen and said the senior had been taken to the medical room due to acute gastroenteritis and wouldn’t be able to continue with the upcoming match.

The teacher asked Huo Zeshen if he wanted to withdraw from the competition. Huo Zeshen asked if it was possible to replace his teammate.

Huo Zeshen absolutely refused to give up easily, especially with Lin Juangui watching. What would withdrawing even mean?

Time was running out. Huo Zeshen reported to the tournament committee that his teammate couldn’t participate due to health reasons. Upon hearing this, the teachers from his school immediately frowned, while teachers from other schools came over to ask if Huo Zeshen planned to withdraw.

After all, this was a multi-school competition. Having one less competitor meant a higher chance to improve their ranking. Many people were hoping Huo Zeshen would drop out.

But Huo Zeshen simply said, "I’m here to explain the situation and submit a request to change teammates. I have no intention of withdrawing."

The teachers from his school immediately agreed it was no problem, but the teachers from other schools looked visibly disappointed.

The more pressure there was, the less likely Huo Zeshen was to back down.

Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui learned about Huo Zeshen’s need to change teammates in the doubles match at the same time. Lin Juangui raised his hand and stroked his chin. "It seems he's having a hard time surviving here too."

If Huo Zeshen chose to withdraw from the doubles match, it would actually be the smartest decision, allowing him to focus more energy on the individual matches.

But Huo Zeshen wasn’t one to admit defeat easily, nor would he allow all his hard work over such a long time to go to waste.

"Worried?" Mu Zhang didn’t want to miss any expression on Lin Juangui’s face.

Lin Juangui narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment. "Feels like I’m not the only one about to be served up."

The winds were shifting. Lin Juangui’s instincts told him something was about to go wrong.

Sure enough, news quickly spread that Huo Zeshen’s doubles match teammate couldn’t compete. If Huo Zeshen couldn’t find a new partner before the match began, he would be automatically disqualified.

Those who had high hopes for Huo Zeshen began to worry, but at the same time, many who disliked him gathered on the school forum, calling for others not to team up with him.

Huo Zeshen was an extreme individualist—whoever teamed up with him would steal the spotlight. Why work yourself to death only to get none of the credit?

If Huo Zeshen was so capable, let him prove himself in the individual matches. He’d better not set his sights on the doubles trophy.

Just as everyone was curious how Huo Zeshen would handle the situation, Di Shuo, who was still fast asleep, was abruptly slapped awake by Huo Zeshen.

Di Shuo sat up drowsily and yawned.

"Did you finish your match already? How’d you place?"

Huo Zeshen smiled, and Di Shuo suddenly had a bad feeling.

"My teammate was sabotaged. You’ve got time, right? Come compete with me later."