So it was. Under countless watchful eyes, despite the towering cage that sealed all exits, Wei Daoming opened it as if entering an uninhabited land, leading Wang Zhan out.

Of course, the criminals were not so lucky. They had already completely submitted to Wang Zhan. Even if Shi Zhongming had kindly let them go, at most, they would have merely added a few more lost souls to the Star War Battlefield; it held no other significant meaning.

Besides, with the one powerful enough to suppress both Shi Zhongming and that Martial King's subordinate still present, who dared to act rashly? They only felt more desperate.

So... he has such backing! If that's the case, why did he fight us to the death, leading to this state?

Which Family's young master is this, sneaking away from his own Family to roam around? Fortunately, nothing disastrous happened, or we might all have died here!...

Good, good! Only someone truly powerful can shelter those of us disliked by the Federation, and only then can we have more of a foundation to survive on the Star War Battlefield... Sigh, since death is inevitable, why not try to delay it?

If every person's heart holds a scale, then Wei Daoming's appearance was undoubtedly the final weight that tipped it. Light as a feather, yet heavy as Mount Tai, it was something no one could ignore. Thus, they had no choice but to resign themselves to their fate!

Unfortunately, Wei Daoming showed little interest in them. He merely glanced at the figure who had remained hidden, the one Shi Zhongming hadn't deployed. Then, looking at Shi Zhongming again, he calmly relayed via voice transmission, "He encountered a small problem, so I'll take him back first. These people here can form a suicide squad for him; no need for you to make things difficult. Let's leave it at that. When he wakes up, come see me. And bring that person..."

With that said, Wei Daoming departed with an air of scholarly grace. Outwardly, he resembled a frail scholar, yet no one present dared to challenge his arrangements.

Dominant, overbearing, imposing. This was the typical conduct of those high-ranking Federation officials. Before them, even a provincial governor was insignificant beyond their mere title.

Shi Zhongming watched his receding figure, then turned to these criminals—disillusioned yet fortunate to have survived—his expression impassive.

They certainly have good luck.

Of course, he wouldn't refuse the suggestion. Since they had violated Federation law, rather than a clean end, it was better for them to make one last contribution to the Federation.

The Seventh Young Master also departed. Ever since Wei Daoming appeared, the scholarly man had merely glanced at him once, yet it sent cold sweat drenching his back, leaving him feeling chilled and trembling. So, with no one paying him any attention and no immediate opportunity to connect with Wang Zhan, he left decisively.

Only Chen San remained to manage the placement of these criminals, keeping Shi Zhongming's instructions and muttered words firmly in mind.

"Since they're alive, let them live. If Wang Zhan wants to send them to the Star War Battlefield, it won't be a waste... Although a Martial King Realm expert didn't take the field, I suppose he still passed, right? Sigh, the new generation truly surpasses the old..."

Who could have imagined that a mere Martial Master, seemingly ordinary, could become so cruel and violent when enraged that even a Martial King would yield to him?

As for that familiar stranger, the most powerful among the criminals, he was merely a gift Shi Zhongming had intended for Wang Zhan—provided Wang Zhan survived.

However, Wang Zhan was evidently thriving at the moment. Despite some unexpected turns, having already caught the attention of the Federation's "Big Four" early on, his destiny was extraordinary from that very first moment.

「A day later.」

「Federal Martial Arts Academy.」

「The dormitory building where Wang Zhan's new home was located.」

"Mmm..." A soft groan escaped him as Wang Zhan slowly opened his eyes, his vision gradually adjusting from the embrace of darkness to the encroaching light. He regained full consciousness after a period of hazy struggle, his throat dry and thirsty, his limbs weak and powerless.

It felt just like being drained by Qin Ying hundreds, no, thousands of times... Cough, cough. In short, he felt utterly depleted.

"You're awake?"

Immediately, a soft voice sounded beside Wang Zhan's ear.

Wang Zhan turned his head and saw Yao Yao, dressed in a beige casual outfit. She had apparently been reading at the desk by the window. Upon hearing his slight movement, she immediately came over, her face close, and helped Wang Zhan sit up, leaning against the headboard.

Their brief contact naturally allowed Wang Zhan a glimpse of the world's boundless beauty, and that touch of snowy-white fullness... Cough, he didn't mean to look.

But Yao Yao clearly noticed his somewhat evasive gaze and embarrassed expression. She glanced down at herself and instantly understood. Though shy, she nonchalantly adjusted his head to face forward before asking with concern, "Do you want some water? I'll get it for you!"

In that moment, as she quickly turned away, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks—a clear sign of her shyness.

Wang Zhan suddenly grinned.

Perhaps this is love in its most beautiful and captivating form! Both cherishing a mutual shyness, yet not shying away from facing each other, until they dedicate their most beautiful nights to one another.

After moistening his throat a little, he tried to recall the events of that day, his final memories hazy. Wang Zhan asked, "How did I get home?"

He seemed to have a gap in his memory, especially regarding what happened after meeting Dean Wei Daoming.

Yao Yao explained, "Dean Wei Daoming brought you home that day. I don't know what happened either. He just said you needed rest, that you haven't stopped since returning from the Star War Battlefield, and the mental pressure has been too much."

Her eyes filled with pity. Then, looking down at him, she spoke with maternal gentleness, "If there's anything you need help with, please let me help too, okay? I'm not the Yao Yao I used to be. I can help you with many things; you don't have to bear everything alone."

Wang Zhan cracked a smile and lightly tapped Yao Yao's nose.

At this, her hands suddenly tightened their grip on him, and she playfully scolded, "Rascal!…"

"COUGH, COUGH…"

Only when Wang Zhan coughed twice did Yao Yao snap out of it. "AH!" she exclaimed, quickly releasing him. Anxiously, she asked, "Are you alright?"

Wang Zhan looked at her with feigned astonishment, then finally let out a sigh of relief.

"HUMPH! You smelly rascal, go die!" Yao Yao huffed, gave Wang Zhan a playful smack on the head, and left the room.

Wang Zhan felt so wronged. What's wrong with this world? You get punished for telling the truth.

Subsequently, Yao Yao's sweet, gentle voice, along with the doting tones of his mother, Yang Cui, drifted in from the living room.

"Aunty, Wang Zhan just woke up. Should we make him some beast bone soup? We can use bones from leader-level beasts to replenish his calcium..."

"Good, good! Aunty will go with you to buy them later. But this boy... really, can practicing martial arts make one slow-witted? If he's this weak, what about your future together?"

"Aunty!..." Yao Yao protested coyly.

Then came her coquettish whine, a sound that made both Wang Zhan and Yang Cui shudder involuntarily.

Yup, yup, same old formula, same old flavor, same old theatrically charming Yao Yao.

However, just as the two of them were about to step out, Yao Yao suddenly called towards Wang Zhan's bedroom, "By the way, Wang Zhan, Dean Wei Daoming wants you to visit him once you're awake. He lives on the top floor of the School History Museum..."

Warm moments are always intoxicating. But unfortunately, unwelcome surprises often invite themselves.

Take, for example, this flat-chested, no-butt girl currently mocking Wang Zhan—Yu Lan.

Yu Lan, arriving as if by imperial decree, certainly wouldn't be as courteous to Wang Zhan as Qin Ying or Yao Yao were. A cold, gloating sneer was constantly on her lips. "Well, well, well. To think that the renowned, peerless genius, Student Wang Zhan, would also have a day where he runs himself ragged."

Wang Zhan, currently feeling too weak, didn't want to bother with her and simply rolled his eyes. Then he squinted at her and asked, "How do you have the key to my place?"

Who would have known that just when Wang Zhan finally managed to drag himself up to relieve himself, this crazy woman in a secretary's outfit would sneak into his room and see him in the bathroom.

Indeed, boys also need to protect themselves when they're out, or they'll easily fall prey to these crazy women and lose their innocence.

"TCH! None of your business," Yu Lan retorted.

Fortunately, Yu Lan wasn't always unreasonable. Only after a long bout of bickering did she explain, "Qin Ying sent me to see if you were dead yet. Such a shame. If you had died, Qin Ying would be mine..."

Wang Zhan was completely astonished.

WHAT THE HELL! You really can't judge a book by its cover! I never imagined this crazy woman was actually a lesbian!

However, Wang Zhan quickly formed a hypothesis. "Could it be because you lack confidence in your figure that you're experiencing some gender identity confusion? It's not that serious. I mean, even though you're not particularly pretty, your figure isn't great, and your words are unpleasant, you're still a woman. Someone will want you eventually..."

Her composure shattered by his counterattack, Yu Lan's expression instantly darkened. "Get lost! You're the one nobody wants!"

After the bickering, it was time for business.

Yu Lan said seriously, "This time, aside from checking on you for Qin Ying, I'm also here about the 'barter' incident. Do you remember that medicinal herb you took out the other day?"

Wang Zhan was puzzled. What does this have to do with medicinal herbs?

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