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Chapter 711: The Root of Conceitedness

Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas

Ye Zisu's research was inspired, but it was no easy task to surpass the advanced standards of those major countries. Against an opponent like Hocatolin, who was at once both physically strong and technically capable, the shortcomings of the mecha were exposed in an instant.

After a furious battle, Storm Swordsman was beaten into a corner. It was only the strength of his control that prevented it from leaving the arena.

Void Shadow God did not press. The beam saber in its hands flashed out a pattern, and stopped in front of its chest, standing solemnly in waiting.

In this competition, he wanted the princess to see that Aslan was the greatest. Earth's physical skills were antiquated and irrelevant. He also wanted to let the Elite College students know that Aslan was great and unsurpassable.

The entire arena burst into enthusiastic applause. Clearly Aslan's popularity was much higher than other countries. More accurately, Aslan Empire was indeed the forerunner in country popularity, and this was could not be denied.

Arbiter was also strong, but not many people liked them.

Zhang Shan could not accept it, but his lone voice was drowned out in the crowd. Only, Zhang Shan understood the battle as well. Hocatolin's physical skills were brutal. Punches, kicks, grabs, sword work, each and every aspect was polished to excellence. The clash previously had been a flawless performance.

F*ck, it wasn't enough that he was handsome and had a strong Ability X. He had to have such domineering physical skills as well.

"Wang Zheng, physical skill is something that every Aslan citizen begins to explore from young. The skills of fists and feet, close contact grappling, and encounters with various weapons, blades, swords, guns. These are compulsory lessons for the Aslan aristocrats. If you think that you can easily defend against my attacks, you are horribly wrong." Hocatolin said lightly. He did not want Wang Zheng to disdain him like this.

Wang Zheng smiled. He only wanted to test the basic capability difference between Storm Swordsman and a top-tier mecha. Old Zhuo had said that understanding mecha was a compulsory component of becoming a top-tier mechanist. Trying to conquer the world with one-trick was a fantasy. Only those who understood more could become stronger.

As things had shown, the Void Shadow God's basic capabilities were stronger by a bit. Ye Zisu had some improvements to work on. But who would have thought he would have disappointed his opponent?

Storm Swordsman's beam saber sliced out. Ping…

Faced with Storm Swordsman's silent attack, Hocatolin's beam saber leapt to meet it. His familiarity with all patterns of attacks and all types of arts made the flaws in each approach clear. Against him, all the strengths and weaknesses of any attack were laid bare.

Thunk~~~

Suddenly, something inexplicable happened to Void Shadow God. It rocked backwards and stumbled. Wang Zheng's beam saber was already cutting towards its chest. Void Shadow God speedily retreated, but was caught by a kick from Storm Swordsman, who advanced as gracefully as a willow swaying in the wind. The beam saber lanced out.

BOOM…

Void Shadow God blocked with all its strength, and the mecha landed lightly. This mecha's capabilities were unbelievable, and left the opponent with no opportunity to pursue.

Wang Zheng's beam saber sliced the air a few times. "What you call the old-fashioned skills of Earth is simply your lack of understanding. Punches, kicks, and bladework are just the entry-level skills, and don't hold a candle compared to our secret arts. Let alone physical skills."

"Is that right? Earth has long been hailed as an ancient civilization. Isn't such a stage the perfect chance for you to demonstrate that? Show me." Hocatolin smiled grimly.

Both were talking lightly, but testing the other with their steps. The tension was rising unstoppably, and their beam sabers were pointed at the other.

Ping~~~

Both mecha exploded forwards, the Void Shadow God faster by a beat. This was the mecha advantage. The beam saber cleaved down with speed. What ancient arts? Wasn't it just the deluded comforts that the Earthlings held on to?

Shing…

The attack with initiative actually went wide. Could his judgment have been wrong?

Wang Zheng's mecha had been slower than he predicted. Ping…

Wang Zheng directly batted away his opponent's beam saber, entering his guard. Hocatolin did not panic. Many mecha pilots would lose their cool when closed upon, but definitely not him.

He did not defend with his own beam saber. It would not have made it in time. He answered it with his left elbow, at the same time preparing his lower half.

Wang Zheng's mouth twitched. In truth, he had N violent ways to deal with Hocatolin. But even he wanted to let some wind out of these conceited Aslan people's sails.

His left hand trapping the opponent's left elbow, he gave a ferocious shove. One's footwork was the key here. With a swift turn and a violent jerk, his foot lashed out.

BOOM…

Void Shadow God was again kicked away. Its beam saber whipped out. Hocatolin was not even thinking, but instinctively replied with an attack. But it met with nothing but air. Wang Zheng's own beam saber was already pressed against Void Shadow God's cranium. Void Shadow God's energy shield crackled into life, blocking the fatal blow, but Wang Zheng had already followed up with another kick.

BOOM…

Hocatolin refused to back down, aggressively answering. Wang Zheng was overjoyed. It had to be said that the Aslan people had a willful streak.

Turning disaster into opportunity, BOOM…

Hocatolin had taken a serious hit, and his skull was thrumming. His ferocious inferno power suddenly flared to life.

Wang Zheng's Storm Swordsman had initially prepared to combo attacks, but was suddenly foiled. Void Shadow God had already pulled the distance wide.

The atmosphere suddenly turned strange. Hocatolin… Vermillion Bird King… the perfect fighter, actually had been tripped up?

If it was not for the energy shield saving his life, this match would already have been over.

Hocatolin's aura soared to the skies. Although theoretically a B rank Minor Cycle Ability X, but his understanding of power usage determined his strength. Hocatolin to Ability X was just like Wang Zheng to physical arts.

Wang Zheng drew the distance further. This was different from Old Zhuo. Old Zhuo was already old, and although his technique was crisper, but he lacked the aura and bloodthirst, which made Hocatolin different. Just as he was gathering his power, Hocatolin did not expect to fall to his own pride, and nearly fell to a sneak attack from Wang Zheng. The opponent's physical ability was indeed considerable.

"Hocatolin is too conceited. He still does not understand that the key to physical skills lies within." Marzu smiled.

Olivios was expressionless. Aslan people's forte was their Ability X. Their lofty goals of perfection were just ideas. In the end, the decider was always Ability X.

The Inferno ability of his fire Ability X came forth, and Void Shadow God had a completely different feel. The kingly aura welled forth, and his confidence swelled to uncommon levels. At the start, Hocatolin was at most a conqueror, but now he gave off the feel of a tyrant.

Strength was the wellspring of confidence. And in truth, although physical skill and Ability X were 2 different powers, but they shared many similarities.

Uncaring of his opponent's Ability X, Storm Swordsman adjusted itself and again attacked. Hocatolin frowned slightly. He had already used his Ability X, but Wang Zheng was still only using physical skills.

The same attack pattern, but now Hocatolin felt a completely different feel. Storm Swordsman's movement had a lag in it's pattern, which meant that Wang Zheng might switch moves at any moment.

Suddenly… the opponent in front of Wang Zheng disappeared. Alerted, he turned behind.

Ping…

Barely in time, the beam saber blocked Void Shadow God's attack. Once his energy was brought to bear, Hocatolin's operational standard had directly increased by one rank.

Under the heavy attacks, Storm Swordsman was unable to get its feet. Void Shadow God suddenly swayed. BOOM BOOM…

In an instant, the entire arena exploded, and a series of after shadows appeared, filling the air with beam saber traces.

Chapter 712: Physical Flesh, Steel Body

Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas

RUMBLE…

The last stroke cleaved down, directly bearing down on the Storm Swordsman. This was Hocatolin's tribute to just now.

Only, Hocatolin was surprised that such an attack was actually unable to subdue Wang Zheng, who managed to block it.

A warning alarm appeared, and Void Shadow God leaped back. Wang Zheng's Storm Swordsman let loose a ferocious uppercut that connected with air.

Hocatolin was shocked as well. He had not expected Wang Zheng's physical skills to be so solid, that his current state was actually incapable of suppressing him.

What had happened in this short month?

Under such attacks and domination of the arena, Wang Zheng was still only using physical skills to defend. The audience was also wide-mouthed. This was not the Wang Zheng of before.

The Wang Zheng of the past was strong as well. His physical skill was excellent, but not at this level of resistance.

Lear's face was serene, but his look was fiery. How was this possible?

What had happened in the month in the abyss? How had he improved so much? The Wang Zheng of the past could not have stopped such attacks. Now he had not only countered it, but done so with such calm.

This feeling was very, very unsatisfying!

At one side, Luo Fei was a quivering slab of fat. F*ck, it looked like he was about to fall into bankruptcy. He had estimated low on Wang Zheng, and the betting odds were skewed. From the way things looked to him before, Hocatolin stood a 90% chance of winning. If Wang Zheng won, then the remaining 10% would see him broke.

God help him. Wang Zheng my classmate, Wang Zheng big brother, this is no time to make your statement. And this Hocatolin. Was he a phoenix or a pheasant? What kind of Aslan aristocracy was this? Show your stuff!

Hocatolin's Void Shadow God suddenly twirled. In the cockpit, Hocatolin was exultant. Not just exultant, but his eyes indicated he was especially happy. At this time, nothing else mattered. He suddenly understood that he used Ability X to bring forth his physical skills. With his energy reserves, learning anything was easy. And perhaps Wang Zheng used his physical skills to further his understanding of Ability X. It looked like he had to go at it for real.

How could the power of an inferno be controlled?

Suddenly, Void Shadow God disappeared. This was not the warp ability of Void Shadow God, which could only be used 3 times. Any user would treasure those uses. This was simply the full speed that Void Shadow God was capable of.

But such speed could not escape Wang Zheng's eye. If one wanted Wang Zheng to bring his full strength, then one must first bring sufficient power to bear.

The beam saber cut down with full strength, because the Void Shadow God was right in front of Wang Zheng. Was this all-out movement simply for Void Shadow God to be cut down by Wang Zheng

Wang Zheng's sword cleaved down, but Hocatolin's Void Shadow God really did not move, inviting Wang Zheng to cut down upon it.

BOOM…

Void Shadow God remained unmoving, but Wang Zheng's Storm Swordsman flew back more than 10 meters, and the surface of the mecha was covered in soot.

"Flame Reversal Shield. This guy's getting serious now." Pampas laughed.

"It used to be just defensive. Now it can actually counter-attack. This move is pretty dangerous." Marzu nodded in approval.

In the instant that Wang Zheng's beam saber had cut down, a layer of flame shield had materialized. Wang Zheng's attack had not only been blocked, but had scorched him as well.

Such a defensive attack was really unbreakable. This was the reason why Ability X was ultimately superior to physical skill – because it could utilize external strength, and could reach a higher realm of art that had endless possibilities.

Hocatolin was finally getting serious. He gazed at Wang Zheng. He hoped he would not let him down. He was giving him plenty of respect.

Wang Zheng's heart was burning as well. No wonder these 4 were hailed as the Xuan Grade students closest to the Earth Grade. This Ability X usage was marvelous. With such an ability, opponents would kill themselves with their own attacks.

The Storm Swordsman did not pause, but immediately attacked again.

Lear's mouth twitched in a cold grin. "In the end, the depth of Ability X is still the fatal decider."

"As expected of Boss!" From his side, Luo Fei immediately threw in some fawning. In his heart, he was still calculating how much money he could earn. This Hocatolin seemed destined to win. Although many people had backed him, but he would still earn some. He did not know which scumbag had put a heavy bet on Wang Zheng. D*mn, he was after his life.

The same class of Ability X strength, but a difference in understanding and skill, led to a difference in battle power that was like heaven and earth. The room for ability improvement was limited, and slowed the more one climbed. But skills and understanding were limitless. This was where humanity excelled at.

Against the Storm Swordsman's barbarous assault, Hocatolin frowned. This was foolhardy.

Void Shadow God lurched forward, but suddenly felt as though something was impeding the mecha's advance. He actually… somersaulted.

At this moment, the Storm Swordsman's beam saber had already cut forward like lightning.

Shing…

Void Shadow God suddenly disappeared. This was the warp ability of Void Shadow God, which immediately displaced it over 10 meters away.

The crowd gasped. If it was not for the superior capabilities of the Void Shadow God, Hocatolin would have had to take the blow. Although he would not have lost, but he would have taken cruel punishment indeed.

Halfway through its advance, the mecha's legs had been halted. Such a turn of events was completely unprecedented.

Frost ability.

Such a usage was something even Huang Grade students were capable of.

Hocatolin's inferno ability enveloped his whole body. His two consecutive mistakes had caused him to lose face. This guy's Frost ability was actually used that well.

Void Shadow God had enough of it. He began to subdue the Storm Swordsman. Wang Zheng's finessed interferences were no longer useful. Hocatolin's Ability X directly suppressed Wang Zheng. Inferno defense was perfectly suited to counter Frost's interruptions. With a jerk, the fire power reached the maximum. Void Shadow God's speed advantage gave it the dominant spot, and it began to fire wildly towards the Storm Swordsman.

But Wang Zheng's defense was impenetrable. It was not so easy for the power of Inferno to infiltrate in. Wang Zheng's Ability X defense was flawless. Defense required less energy compared to attacking. The strange fire attack was fizzled by his ice. Even if some small amounts entered, Wang Zheng's own strong physical strength could brush it aside.

Wang Zheng was analyzing his opponent's usage of fire. This was indeed an expert close to Earth Grade. His own Frost interference was practically useless. It was not that Old Zhuo had not taught him the good stuff, but simply a matter of affinity. Ice and fire were opposites, and strength was the decider of victory and defeat.

They could not continue like this.

BOOM…

Hocatolin had finally gotten the upper hand. Under his Ability X control, his beam saber had become a Magma sword, cutting towards the Storm Swordsman as though it could rend space itself.

Wang Zheng could not dodge anymore. If he used Frost ability at this time, the result would not be pretty.

His ability would be completely shut down.

BOOM…

Both beam sabers clashed together, the fire and energy filling the skies.

… Inferno ability?

Wang Zheng's beam saber was infused with Inferno ability as well, and the fire shield's body had sustained a crack as well.

This…

"This is also an idea born of having no other option left. Since his Ice ability has been completely suppressed, why not use the same element to fight. Too bad such a solution only worsens the problem." Jiang Feng said with a smile that held approval, but also frustration.

The two beam sabers clashed together, sending a pillar of fire towards the skies. But everybody could see that Hocatolin's Ability X was significantly stronger. Wang Zheng could counter-attack at will, but each attack saw him sustain injury as well. Mecha had their limit; how far could he push it?

Wang Zheng was simply struggling at death's door.

Lear finally allowed himself to smile. Finally his limit had been reached. Although he had improved, but it was still within acceptable boundaries.

Marzu glanced at Olivios. "Perhaps you should consider changing your opponent."

The way Marzu saw it, this person was still not worthy of being Olivios' opponent. His ability was varied, and mastery was decent. But against a real pro, such things were useless. Battle was simply about killing the other.

Olivios faced his brother, expressionless. "You underestimate him too much."

Just as he said that, the situation changed. Logically, Wang Zheng should have gradually succumbed. But now he was actually doing the controlling.

D*mn!

The beam saber had laid his opponent bare. With a frenzied advance, he bore down like a mad tiger charging down the hill. Unstoppable.

BOOM…

The fire shield shattered, and the energy shields activated again, but Void Shadow God was still knocked back more than 10 meters.

Storm Swordsman was still full of killing intent.

Hocatolin gritted his teeth, and forcefully controlled his mecha into balance, at the same time curbing his own elevating blood pressure.

"That's impossible! Your Ability X cannot possibly defend against my attack!" Hocatolin burst out angrily.

"This is not a world where Ability X decides everything. The little bit of overspill means nothing to me."

Wang Zheng's tone was even, but held an undertone of dominance.

All domination was proudly displayed. Only some were privately displayed, and some were publicly displayed.

Olivios' expressionless face finally showed some malevolence. "As a fighter, one must first develop a body that is like steel, not some weak body!"

A body of steel was cruel to enemies, and even harsher on oneself. Only then could one become the ultimate warrior and killing machine!

He favored Wang Zheng and no other, because this guy hid a cruelty in his bones, a cruelty towards himself.

This little bit of standard was nothing.

It took one to recognize another.

Hocatolin could feel considerable power from his opponent's aura. His own fire was actually useless?!

Were there actually people in this world who could withstand Ability X wounds with flesh?

The arena was full of muttering as well. Those watching the broadcast were discussing it as well. This Wang Zheng seemed invulnerable. His physical strength was intimidating. How the hell did these Earthlings train?

Hocatolin laughed loudly. "Good, good, good. Interesting. In that case, today I will show you a strength that the physical flesh can never hope to withstand!"

Chapter 713: Inferno Tornado Kill!

Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas

Void Shadow God's energy shield opened. At the same time, the Inferno Ability X exploded fiercely, fusing with the energy shield. This shocked a bunch of Huang Grade students who were also of the energy type Ability X, for whom the possibility of using energy shield fusion only existed in their minds. But the level of control was too difficult. At most, they could summon it for a while, and now Hocatolin was planning to use it openly. This was one of the necessary conditions for entering the Earth Grade.

Using Ability X to control the mecha's energy shield, and switch between attack and defense quickly. It was all under the pilot's control.

Hocatolin, as one of the Aslan representatives in the Xuan Grade, had had a smooth-sailing journey so far. He had been labeled a genius from Aslan till Elite College. In any face-off, he had always crushed his opponent, and Wang Zheng was by far the hardest to get a hold of. Most crucially, he had to win, and to win in style befitting his status.

At that moment, Void Shadow God had already evolved into a flaming specter. Such Ability X infused energy shield looked both cool and flashy. Under such circumstances, the problem of energy shields affecting movement was completely non-existent. Attack and defense were as one.

From this move, Hocatolin's understanding was indeed in the lead. At least, Black Tortoise's elite had not reached this level.

Besides, this Inferno ability was like giving a tiger wings. Wang Zheng's Storm Swordsman had sobered up as well. At this moment, Void Shadow God definitely held the high ground.

His sword flashing out, the beam saber trailed flames as it closed the distance speedily on the Storm Swordsman. Wang Zheng strafed to avoid it, the Storm Swordsman not retreating. The beam saber immediately cut through.

BOOM…

A misread on the first step normally let to a collision. Storm Swordsman was sent flying, and from the way its core looked, Wang Zheng had miscalculated.

Pampas shook his head slightly. "The power of this blow had been raised by a few multiples. It includes the energy from the energy shield as well. He must be underestimating his opponent." He favored Wang Zheng, but Hocatolin was an elite of the Xuan Grade. Wang Zheng was treating him too lightly.

Storm Swordsman was sprawled on the floor, but immediately rebounded up skewed. He forced out another attack. It looked like Wang Zheng's body condition was indeed abnormal.

The beam saber was blazing with fire as well, but this level of fire was like a candle compared to the blazing bonfire of the Void Shadow God.

In 3 consecutive clashes, Wang Zheng had been sent flying each time. And Void Shadow God was using pure energy now. Whether in attack or defense, it left one gasping at its perfection.

This was the highest realm of complete domination. The fire that shrouded Void Shadow God was a brilliant red, full of life. The Lie Flame Technique users, Lie Xin and Lie Guang, were sighing in envy. Although they used a similar Fire Ability X, their technique paled in comparison to Hocatolin's. Paired with the coolness of a mecha, Hocatolin was indeed the model example of the Aslan specialty.

Noble, majestic, undefeatable!

BOOM…

As though a phoenix rising, Storm Swordsman was beaten aside by a blow. It was reaching an unreasonable stage now.

BOOM… Clatter clatter…

The mecha landed heavily on the floor, and the surface cracked, testament to the force of the blow. The heavily battered Storm Swordsman was as pitiful as a beggar. The mecha had sustained damage in many places, and charred in many more. These wounds bore traces of Ability X seepage. This was no longer a competition. If this continued, Wang Zheng's life was in danger.

The crowd let out a cheer. Utilizing the power of the blaze, Void Shadow God actually floated in the air. Caged in an inferno of power, Void Shadow God looked like a god of fire descending. It was invincible and invulnerable. Besides, it still held 2 charges of translocation. It was a sight that struck despair into the hearts of opponents.

Hocatolin felt a tinge of sympathy for Wang Zheng as well. He had gone overboard and shown too much. To be so serious with a junior, he had been too much.

The distance between them… no matter how Wang Zheng attacked he could never break this. As long as he got serious, Wang Zheng was dead without question.

Glancing at the princess on the stage, Hocatolin breathed out gently. This should be as far as was needed.

Hocatolin was waiting for Wang Zheng to surrender of his own accord, an act of mercy on his part. He would not kill such a promising junior just to teach a lesson. Aslan people were proud to their bones, but at the same time unafraid of a challenge. If Wang Zheng could really reach his Grade one day, he would accept any form of challenge from Wang Zheng.

The cheers had begun to come from the crowd. It looked like the competition was over, and some had already stood to deliver applause. Wang Zheng was out of tricks now. It was clear that Hocatolin had been merciful.

Wang Zheng's Storm Swordsman gently centered itself, its beam saber pointing towards Hocatolin.

Hocatolin was taken aback. Wang Zheng was not giving up?

Zhang Shan clenched his fist. He was beginning to worry as well. He did not think that Wang Zheng had no chance, but the Storm Swordsman was almost at its limit. Spectators saw the clearest. The mecha damage was significant. Wang Zheng not activating his energy shield had been a problem. But if he activated them, he would not be able to touch Void Shadow God at all. This was a dilemma.

"Angela, can Wang Zheng win?" Lin Huiyin asked. Angela almost bit her tongue.

"Highness, Wang Zheng's ability is still a long way away from Hocatolin's. His best option now is to admit defeat, or there will be a risk to his life." Angela persuaded patiently. She wanted to get the princess to realize the truth. In her little girl mind, Huiyin must think that Wang Zheng was undefeatable, as though he had some godlike quality. But that was not reality.

"Is that right? Why do I feel like Wang Zheng can win?" Lin Huiyin said unconcernedly.

Angela was crying inside. Did her words count for nothing now?

Angela was frustrated as well. When had Lin Huiyin begun to worship Wang Zheng…

Facing Wang Zheng's challenge, Hocatolin's beam saber gestured towards Wang Zheng. "Since you will not surrender, then take responsibility for your own life."

Wang Zheng smiled slightly. In the cockpit, Wang Zheng was completely ecstatic. "Senior Hocatolin, watch yourself!"

Hocatolin had won Wang Zheng's respect with his ability. Someone who had grasped Ability X to this extent was indeed strong. Wang Zheng loved such opponents. He could gamble now.

The crowd stared on intently. Was Wang Zheng putting his life on the line?

Lear smiled coldly. This was the psychology of a gambling loser. He thought life was worthless, and therefore refused to surrender. But good luck would not always follow, Wang Zheng!

BOOM…

With a deafening explosion, Storm Swordsman suddenly disappeared…

It was indeed warp. Inside the Storm Swordsman mecha, the super gravity energy ore had been stimulated by Ability X. The body of the mecha was covered with a hurricane, and it closed with speed.

But Hocatolin's reaction was equally swift. The beam saber was already prepared, although he did not know what to expect from the opponent.

They were still 4 meters apart, when Wang Zheng's beam saber suddenly flashed out.

A hurricane swept towards Void Shadow God… Wind Ability X?

What use was that?

Hocatolin completely did not treat it seriously, but suddenly realized what was happening. The Storm Swordsman was within the hurricane.

Raging Tornado Attack!

BOOM BOOM…

Using the cyclone as the track, the Storm Swordsman swept the Void Shadow God up within it. The beam saber battered Void Shadow God with a series of frenzied cuts, the light flashing everywhere. The initially weak hurricane had suddenly turned into a fire tornado, which not only used Wang Zheng's ability, but also absorbed Hocatolin's strength.

Jiang Feng and the rest had stood up. To think that Wang Zheng would have such a fatal hand left.

Hocatolin's Void Shadow God was completely helpless. The high speed hurricane combined with the Storm Swordsman's revolutions, and the super-gravity energy ore had elevated Storm Swordsman beyond its limit. Given Wang Zheng's physical skills, 48 different attacks flew out in an instant.

Although his defenses had not been penetrated yet, but Hocatolin was being shaken until he was almost spitting blood. Was he trying to take him down together?

But it was useless!

The inferno exploded, and Void Shadow God vanished. The 2nd usage of the warping ability.

But something miraculous happened. In the instant that Void Shadow God disappeared, it was actually beaten back into its original position by a beam saber attack.

Warp disrupted???

At that moment, Wang Zheng's eyes had turned golden. Analysis!

No illusion could escape from him!

The furious attack rate had already left Hocatolin defenseless, and his own eyes turned red as well.

RUMBLE…

BOOM…

The fire energy shield surrounding Hocatolin contracted, and then exploded!!!

A peerless attack that completely defied logic!

Hocatolin was sweating profusely now. This must have finished it!

This blow contained all his Ability X and the shield energy from the Void Shadow God. It must have blown his opponent away.

After Void Shadow God landed, he heard a strong sound coming from nearby.

At the other side, Storm Swordsman had landed as well. In an instant, all the energy shields activated, but shattered after merely seconds. But Wang Zheng had used the gusts to avoid a fatal explosion.

Both mechas had now completely lost shield support.

Only, Hocatolin's mecha was in pristine condition, and the pilot was probably the same. Wang Zheng's Storm Swordsman was battered, and Wang Zheng himself had sustained injuries as well.

Hocatolin had not expected Wang Zheng to be able to fight for so long. As a Huang Grade student, he had acquitted himself well.

In that instant, Hocatolin felt a shred of respect grow. A pity that victory was still his.

BOOM…

The inferno blazed to life again. Hocatolin's Ability X had not suffered too much. As the cream of the Xuan Grade crop, his usage of both physical strength and energy was sublime. Although the battle had seemingly dragged on for a long time, but he had always used his opponent's strength to fight himself. This was why he could be called Vermillion Bird King, and one of the top 4 of the Xuan Grade.

"Victory is decided."

"A pity."

"Ice, Fire, Wind. 3 abilities, and even combination abilities. As a Huang Grade, Wang Zheng sure is something else."

"Too bad he met Hocatolin. Too canny and experienced a fighter."

Luo Fei's face was red. He could finally heave a sigh of relief. That had been a real scare. F*ck, he had thought Hocatolin was done for. If he lost here he would be sleeping on the streets… No, he would be beaten to death.

Inside the Storm Swordsman, Wang Zheng's smile was brilliant, his gaze sharp. From young, he had dreamed of such a scenario. Nothing was important, and there was no reason to things. He loved it.

Shing…

A second beam saber unsheathe...

Chapter 714: Void Cleave!

Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas

He still wanted to fight???

What use was 1 more beam saber?

Even Zhang Shan was anxious. There was no need to continue fighting. This was completely different from IG. Hocatolin's Ability X had too much of an advantage. Fighting this much was enough.

But at this stage, Olivios and the rest knew that neither would give up now.

Perhaps only the naïve Highness Huiyin did not sense the danger. She still looked on excitedly.

Angela felt that Wang Zheng's grit was his greatest strength, but he had already used more than 90%, while Hocatolin had only maybe used just 60%.

If Wang Zheng was of the same ability class, Hocatolin might already be left on the ground. But life was not about the 'if's.

Hocatolin adopted an aggressive stance for the first time. He was about to seize the initiative for the first time. This Wang Zheng was qualified enough to be an opponent of the same class. He would use his own strongest attack to defeat him!

Life or death were inconsequential!

"Professor, is it time to call a stop to things? If this continues, something bad will happen." Some people reminded.

Jiang Feng shook his head slightly. Those destined for greatness did not thrive in easy situations. Whether Wang Zheng or Hocatolin, they were walking the path of no return, and their lives were in the balance.

Besides, he really wanted to know how this would turn out.

Storm Swordsman's 2 beam sabers crossed behind its back.

BOOM…

Void Shadow God's fire energy was completely concentrated on the beam saber. Under the pouring energy, the beam saber glowed with a pure blue within the red of the fire. Just one cut would immediately kill anything in its way!

Suddenly, Void Shadow God disappeared!

God!

D*mn! To use the warp at this time!

This was… too unbeatable!

But in the instant that Void Shadow God warped, Storm Swordsman made its move.

The two beam sabers violently scythed upwards!

BLAM…

A ripple, visible to the naked eye, swept outwards.

BOOM…

The vanished Void Shadow God appeared… in 2 halves.

The mecha's torso fell and rolled on the floor, the two legs still planted in their original position.

The entire arena was deathly silent. Even the students from both military schools were silent.

A mecha that had already entered warp speed for translocation had actually been cut out of it???

Two halves?

A distance of more than 10 meters?

How was that possible???

Witchcraft?

Some ancient devilry from Earth?

Looking upon the dual wielding Storm Swordsman, respect grew in everyone's hearts.

Olivios smiled. His right fist was clenched tightly. Only the strongest could defeat the strongest!

The paramedics rushed forward, dragging Hocatolin out from the cockpit. The Vermillion Bird King had fainted. The intense and violent distortion was not something that the average constitution was built to withstand.

At the other side, another team of paramedics rushed towards the Storm Swordsman, afraid that Wang Zheng's injuries were far worse.

Yet, the Storm Swordsman's cockpit opened of its own accord. Wang Zheng… from inside… jumped out, giving the medical personnel a fright.

D*mn, was he even human? This body was that of a monster's!

The mecha was almost done for, but the pilot seemed completely unharmed.

A body of steel!

Zhang Shan was exultant, leaping up and whooping. His calls shocked the entire crowd into applause and cheers.

A miracle had appeared. The 3rd Huang Grade student to achieve victory.

This was Wang Zheng, of Earth!

Angela was uncomprehending. "That's possible?"

Lin Huiyin waved a hand carefreely. "I told you, he'd definitely win. Angela, looks like your judgement is getting hazier and hazier by the day."

Angela bit her tongue. This… had not a lick to do with one's judgment!

This was virtually impossible. What skill was this, to cleave a warping mecha in two with one blow?

This was blasphemy!

What kind of monster was he!

The girls present were calling even more shrilly now. They wanted to know under those form-concealing clothes, what kind of body was hidden.

Ai Xiaolu and the rest were cheering unrestrained as well. Honestly, even in their most addled states, they would never have thought that Wang Zheng was capable of winning. There was not even the slightest possibility. But life was even weirder than the movies.

The cheers of the crowd were deafening, but it was unimportant to Wang Zheng. He gazed heavenward. He wanted to tell Old Zhuo that he would continue to proceed steadily, and accumulate victories. He would be as strong as Old Zhuo!

Giving him no time to prepare himself, Zhang Shan, Eisen, Majgull, and a bunch of them had already pounced on him, and hoisted Wang Zheng into the air. The medical personnel were white as a sheet. F*ck, they had not even confirmed his condition, and they were doing all kinds of reckless things.

But seeing the exuberant Wang Zheng, they were impressed as well. Who knew that the world had such unkillable people.

Inexplicably, Lear had suddenly calmed down after seeing Wang Zheng's performance. He turned back to the downcast Luo Fei, and actually smiled. "It's amazing that Wang Zheng actually won. Why are you so sad?"

Lear knew that Luo Fei actually held a soft spot for Wang Zheng, Zhang Shan and their group.

Luo Fei's soul had already left his body. He was done for. He was bankrupt now. He should have been content with his good life, and not dreamed up such a diseased idea like the betting table. He was about to be f*cking hunted and killed. His Skylink was already beeping urgently with debtors.

"Keke, Boss. Can I talk to you about something?" Luo Fei said tremulously.

Lear nodded. His mood was not bad. He had earned a place after all. And as for Wang Zheng, he was just another rival. In the end, he was going to be the one to unite the Milky Way Alliance.

"I would like to borrow some money…" Fatty was very humble. He had already seen that Lear's expression was not too good. Forget rice, he might not even have salted vegetables to eat in the days to come.

Zhang Shan and the rest did not keep up their antics. Wang Zheng still had to undergo a physical examination. After such a battle, it was prudent to have himself checked out.

But this battle had made Wang Zheng really famous. Although his Ability X was clearly lacking by a rank, but he had beat Hocatolin. That body was coveted by everybody. And as for the finer details of the battle, those had to be analyzed slowly and carefully to be fully understood.

In a room in the Galaxy Military College, the Skylink resting beside Aina's hand rang. She eventually chose not to open it. Since she had chosen to leave, then she must have a clean break.

Perhaps it was really as Kashawen said; she could do it because her intellect understood the implications. As long as she could really let go, Aslan would not bother Wang Zheng, and interfere with his development.

Because in the end, there was but one candidate for Queen of Aslan, and that was Aina Aslan. And the King, the Prime Minister and the royal family would do anything to make her understand that.

Aslan's ruler was not a puppet, or it would not be the Aslan of today. One day, Aina would exert her authority to cleanse the place of people like Kashawen, just like they were doing now. Each ruler of Aslan had come to power thus.

An empire fit to rule the Milky Way Alliance some day in the future. Its welfare transcended everything.

This was the obsession of Aslan people. They were actually even more fanatical than the Arbiters.

The competition had already started to replay the finals broadcast, including some technical analysis. The Elite Academies' technical skills were beyond doubt. This was the champion's replay. Previously, Marzu, Olivios, Lear, Pampas had been the same, although Marzu and Pampas had won too easily. Lear and Olivios had struggled as well Although they had Black rank opponents, but these two had displayed a level of control and ability that was frightening. And Wang Zheng's match was by far the most spectacular, especially in the face of Hocatolin's strength.

Previously, pros did not watch such replays, because they had already understood everything the first time. But this time, not a single person left.

Because there were things they did not understand.

What the analysts had come up with was both sides' best performance. The first clip was the Raging Tornado Attack. It analyzed the capabilities of the Storm Swordsman in depth. As expected, the technology of the Void Shadow God held the advantage, but the Storm Swordsman had been created by the OMG genius architect Ye Zisu, and was no less than what was expected of her. Everybody only knew of the Wind God, while this model was her 2nd formal product.

This model of mecha could be said to be made specially for wind-affinity ability users. When the super-gravity energy ore was stimulated, the mecha immediately had heightened speed and lift beyond comprehension. Of course, the mecha was just an object. The key was the pilot's control. Storm Swordsman's merging with the hurricane and attacking had swept Void Shadow God into the cyclone. And the highlight was that frenzied rotating combination…

The screen filled with numbers on the right side. By the time Void Shadow God had counter attacked, it had been cut a total of 136 times, and from all different angles. The pilot's muscles and skeletal structure must have had been under unimaginable pressure, and the forced speed should have been more than 15 times of the original. And he had to maintain control over Ability X, in order to defend against the opponent's Inferno ability.

Just this move alone left many wide-eyed in shock. Such strength was inhuman.

The second clip was of Hocatolin. It had to be said that he was indeed a model example of a fighter nurtured by Aslan. Excellent in all aspects, and shining in battle. His battle approach was a fusion of violent bursts and an understanding of when to maintain control. His control of the Inferno energy was impeccable. Although he had lost, but this had to be acknowledged. Ability X to control energy shields elevated him to a god among gods. To attack and defend as one, and that one maximum power explosion had been completely directed outwards. This move was fairly impossible, as average people could not control the direction of the explosion.

But in the end it had been beaten by Wang Zheng. Storm Swordsman's energy shield had been completely used to defend against this blow, and he had still been injured.

The footage went into extreme slow-motion, and the finer details of the mechas' attack and defense could be clearly seen.

At this moment, there was a collective gasp. In the analysis, it had cut to a close-up of Storm Swordsman. Although the Storm Swordsman had been under attack, but his left hand was always guarding in front of his chest. Under normal circumstances, maintaining such a stance in a frenzied attack was unbearable.

Unless… Wang Zheng had already been prepared. The purpose of this attack was to lure Hocatolin into counter-attacking.

On closer examination, such an explosive attack definitely took a greater toll on Wang Zheng compared to Hocatolin. If Hocatolin had gritted his teeth, laid his life on the line and toughed it out, the outcome might have been different.

But Hocatolin had not been able to hold on!

"Aslan people's sense of honor ruins things for them at times." Olivios noted mildly. If he had kept his cool, he would have realized that Wang Zheng's attack had a far greater energy expenditure compared to himself. It looked frenzied, but was simply overwhelming in aggression.

Of course, Hocatolin had been too confident, he had thought that that one blow could incinerate Wang Zheng in the explosion.

As the fire exploded outwards, Wang Zheng's reaction had been speedy. He had activated the energy shields, but they had exploded soon after. Under super slow-motion, they finally understood how Wang Zheng had lived.

Fire Shield!

Chapter 715: Most Adorable Vixen

Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas

The permanently defensive stance of the left hand, prepared to defend at any time, and the sustaining of the fire shield. Although the fire shield had been shattered, Hocatolin's strongest attack had already been exhausted, and all that was left were basic moves.

It was all a trap!

Hocatolin wanted to lure Wang Zheng over. It was his highest damaging and safest method of achieving victory. And Wang Zheng was luring him as well, to use up all his energy shield, otherwise there was no way to victory. Both held supreme confidence in their approach, but the final outcome was something that only fate knew.

The final clash had been a coin toss. Both had achieved their necessary winning conditions, but had not secured them fully.

From the broadcast, Hocatolin was taking hits. Although he had defended, but the mech's anti-shock capabilities could not completely fend it off. And Hocatolin was not a defensive type by nature. Even so, he had endured considerably frightening impacts. The force equivalent to 3600 Mosuo's of force. To have achieved this standard, he must be in the top 3 in the Black Tortoise Region.

Who said Hocatolin was an offensive type?

And Wang Zheng was even more frightening. That lunatic must have endured over 8000 Mosuos of impact and fiery attacks, and to still be able to be so lively.

The final deciding blow had come.

Both tended to the offense, and had fatal killing moves which were not necessarily flashy, but got the job done.

"This slash from Hocatolin can pierce a Level 2 Deep Abyss Zerg. There's no chance." Pampas sighed a little. They knew their limits as well. This killing blow was not something that Hocatolin used lightly. Once brought out, no energy shield or mecha could withstand it, and so he always saved it for the last.

On the screen, the beam saber's stored energy was displayed, and it was on an inhuman level.

Only, the majority of the students did not care about this. What they wanted to know was how Wang Zheng had managed it, to actually have destroyed Void Shadow God while it was in the middle of translocation. It must be known that this was a point of pride for Void Shadow God. Aslan's proud work. And such a thing had never been heard of before, but Wang Zheng had accomplished it twice.

And this was what nobody understood.

In the instant he made his move, the picture froze. From beside, all kinds of theoretical surmises appeared. When displayed in full, perhaps only 10% of those present understood them, and then only theoretically. The theory indicated that there were 2 methods of disrupting translocation. The first was to move preemptively, and disrupting it while it was entering the warp. This was what Wang Zheng had achieved the first time. This required a preternatural level of judgment, but was occasionally pulled off in the battlefield.

And the second type was almost unheard of, because it was to directly attack the mecha while it was in warp.

Travel was actually a small-scale subspace accelerator that helped to enter the microsecond speed acceleration state. But from a multi-dimensional point of view, it was not an instantaneous vanishing. Till date, humanity's technology was not able to achieve such space-folding technology on small-scale transmissions.

If the attack power achieved a certain level, it could snap the opponent out from subspace, and break the warp.

However, this was all theory. It was a theory that everybody knew, including the Aslan people, although nobody had ever achieved it before.

This was not something that pure strength could achieve. It must be an energy that was of the highest quality, and simultaneously one that could create subspace energy.

And to mecha, this was way beyond the limit.

The competition was over, and the 2 competitors had already left, but the audience was still riveted to the seen.

Accident? Luck? A dog-sh*t luck?

Zhang Shan was smiling, satisfied. He naturally understood these things. To a physics major like himself, he understood with clarity. He wanted to howl loudly. You bunch of noobs, you see that now? That is strength.

Only those who understood the principle could do it. Wang Zheng definitely did. But as for what energy he used to achieve that level of power, Zhang Shan was curious too.

Unfortunately, the analysts were equally stumped. There were quite a few who understood the theory, and many of the analysts said as much. But firstly, such a process was fleeting, and more importantly, there was no way to achieve the needed amount of energy, which was enough to blow the entire stadium to bits.

But Wang Zheng had did it, and the stadium was not in bits.

Energy compression?

Special Ability X?

As for the explosion that had been produced at that instant, the replay was simply a screen of white. Nobody knew what move Wang Zheng had used. All they could see was that the 2 beam sabers had waved, and from that stance it seemed like nothing extraordinary could have happened…

Just as they were discussing and speculating, the medical team reported in as well.

Hocatolin had suffered serious injuries, and would need at least half a year to recuperate. And Wang Zheng… had been discharged after some basic treatment.

This was basically a taunt.

Based on the data on the screen, both had taken severe attacks. But one was half dead, the other unharmed.

What was this???

Elite College did not lack for perceptive people, but nobody knew what move Wang Zheng had used. They had already slowed it down so much, but still could not see what happened. This was unbearable.

The crowd looked towards the mentor. Given Jiang Feng's ability, he surely must know.

Jiang Feng had been silent. It was not that he did not understand. Given his ability and experience, and that he had seen it live, he could feel the answer already. Only, he did not understand how Wang Zheng had achieved it. This was not something that a Huang Grade student could reach.

Could it just be an accident?

"Does anybody present know what was the last move the Storm Swordsman used?"

Jiang Feng smiled lightly. It was a good chance to test the students' knowledge.

In the broadcast, the school chat already had thousands of messages, with all kinds of theories. Many tended towards some special ability, because according to the theory of forcefully stopping a mecha that had entered the transmission state, the explosive power could reduce the entire arena to rubble. But there had not been such a violent explosion, which meant that Wang Zheng must have some space-interference Ability X. That was the most reasonable explanation.

Immediately, somebody stood up, proud to show off in front of the whole school. But it was immediately dismissed by Jiang Feng.

Jiang Feng's gaze fell on Marzu. Perhaps the only person who could feel what had happened, and understood it.

"Marzu, you will explain to them."

Without question, Marzu was the student that Jiang Feng trusted most. Arbiters' steadiness was something that Jiang Feng acknowledged. Compared to him, Hocatolin was lacking a little.

"There were Ice and Fire reactions just now. To achieve the effect of disrupting mecha transmission, only these two satisfy the energy requirements."

The crowd was silent. The most difficult and dangerous combination among all the combination powers?

Jiang Feng was noncommittal, but smiled slightly. "Besides that, something else is needed, and that is an understanding and judgement of space. That hand, in the Earth Grades' words, is called Void Cleaving. As the name implies, it cuts space itself. Wang Zheng's move just now was purposely leaving that gap. And as a mentor, I feel very gratified. The purpose of competition is for everybody to test each other, find their own flaws, and elevate their power. A person's strength is always important, but we humans are not animals. We are different from Zerg. And because of that, we should cheer for Wang Zheng.

Earth Grade skills?

The crowd was in an uproar. From Jiang Feng's words, it was definitely a Earth Grade move, although it was not perfect. And from a Huang Grade student? At that life-or-death movement, to purposely avoid the danger… The applause was thunderous.

The cheers swelled, wave after wave. The voices of Zhang Shan and the rest were the loudest. This was the sound. Back then, on Earth, it had been the same sound. At IG, it was also this sound. And now, at the Elite College, the same event was repeating. Zhang Shan had known from the start that Wang Zheng would conquer this place.

He loved the feeling, and therefore pursued it at all costs. This was his life.

All the while, Lear's biggest difference was that he could network and connect smoothly, but it had always been too superficial. Wang Zheng was different. Perhaps his words were not as sweet to the ear, but this was someone truly dependable. The emotional intelligence of Elite College students was very high. A person like Wang Zheng, even if he was the opponent, would always be given respect.

The girls' screams were ear-splitting. Suddenly, a guy like Wang Zheng seemed to be flavor of the month. This was a unpolished gem that needed to be slowly polished. This was completely different from those other basic guys.

Highness Huiyin wanted to stand and scream too, but she was held back by Angela. The little loli was fighting tooth and nail. "Highness, Highness, image!"

This job was impossible. Maybe she should quit.

"Do you concede?" Huiyin suddenly quietened, and the change left Angela unprepared.

"I concede, I concede." Angela was absolutely confused now. This seemed like a lead up.

"I'm going to celebrate with Wang Zheng!"

"Keke, Highness, that's a little…"

"I don't care! I'm going to celebrate with Wang Zheng!"

"Highness, can we change the request? After all, it's difficult with so many people…"

"Fine. But after their celebration ends, I'm going to Wang Zheng's!"

"Highness, I know that everybody are classmates and friends. It's right for some celebration to happen, but you have to stand by the rules, OK?" Angela prodded gently. This was an international joke. If news that the princess ran to Wang Zheng in the middle of the night spread, her head would be the first on the chopping block.

"Hehe, I knew Angela is the best. Relax. I know what to do. I won't put you in a difficult spot." Princess Huiyin smiled like a cunning vixen.

At that point, the Elite Competition had ended. Wang Zheng, Marzu, Olivios, Lear, Pampas had cut their way to the forefront, and achieved the top 5 placing. Each of them would receive a custom-made runic mecha, which could be sued to fight in the Abyss. This final namelist was something that many had not foreseen. For 3 Huang Grade students to emerge victorious. Not just that, 2 of them had come from Earth. Could this be the beginning of Earth's rise? It forced those who had almost forgotten its existence to reconsider Earth again.

Chapter 716: Beautiful Flower

Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas

Cheers!

Dream Paradise. The largest box had been reserved way in advance by Ai Xiaolu, just for Wang Zheng's celebration.

Nobody would have thought that Wang Zheng would actually win this competition, besides Wang Zheng himself and a certain 'uninvited guest'. Lin Huiyin's presence forced some civility into the guys, although their enthusiasm could not be checked.

Wang Zheng had won the most important competition in the Elite Academy. Naturally, he should celebrate heartily. And this was also a celebration that he had narrowly escaped death. Not everybody came back alive from the Abyss.

Huiyin sang of her own accord, leading them all in a chorus. Zhang Shan and the other fans gave flowers, which Huiyin happily accepted.

Eisen, Majgull and the other friends were stunned. From the moment Huiyin appeared, they felt like they were in a dream. Wang Zheng was really a god. His win and his survival was like floating clouds in front of Princess Huiyin.

As a result, Wang Zheng shrank into non-existence. Everyone wanted to sing in front of Huiyin. The atmosphere was lively.

While celebrations were ongoing here, the other side was raining ice and fire. Luo Fei was like a elementary school kid who had done wrong. In just a short while, this guy had lost more than 10 million. While this was neither off the charts, it was not insignificant, and such behavior definitely needed reprimanding. Most importantly, Lear had already been in a bad mood.

"Luo Fei!"

"Boss, I know I'm wrong. I won't dare to do it again." Luo Fei did not dare to raise his head. The loan sharks were after his life now. After all, he was somebody in school as well. If he did not pay his debts, then he could not even step out the door.

Lear looked at Luo Fei, a little disappointed that he had not turned out better. This guy… Take Zhang Shan as an example. His talent was lacking compared to Luo Fei, but his sheer effort had turned into visible improvement, and his enthusiasm was hard to ignore. But Luo Fei… that fatty only thought of how to slack off daily.

Finally, without saying a single word, Lear threw down a card.

When Luo Fei raised his head, Lear had already left. Looking at the card on the table, and Lear's retreating profile, Luo Fei felt downcast as well.

He knew that Wang Zheng's performance had added more pressure on Lear.

The Arbiter brothers were different. They did not have the slightest shred of emotion that was normal between brothers.

"You chose a good target." Marzu said.

Olivios mulled over it for a while. "To beat him, I need to improve greatly. At that time, you and I will fight for supremacy, and for life."

Marzu smiled. "I'll wait for that day to come. It seems like you are fated to die by my hand."

In his smile, Marzu showed his growing pride.

The strange pair of brothers separated. Olivios glanced up at the darkening sky. In his mind, he was still picturing Wang Zheng's move. The combination of ice and fire. If he did not guess wrong, he had used the energy produced at the instant when ice and fire combined. Under normal circumstances it would explode, but right before the explosion, he had dispersed the energy outwards. Put simply, he had utilized the energy from the combination itself. Such a technique must have left Jiang Feng jumping with joy.

Everybody said that Wang Zheng's strength lay in physical skills. But Olivios knew that such a person would not simply train one aspect. Only, his opponents had not been strong enough, and were unsuitable targets for his true strength.

Olivios could feel his blood boiling. Stronger. He must become stronger.

A valiant physique, balanced ability, and fatal attacks. Each must be honed to the peak for him to succeed!

On the night of the celebration, Wang Zheng had been carried back by Zhang Shan and Majgull. Poor Wang Zheng had been forced to drink by Ai Xiaolu and De Fulei. Wang Zheng's own liquor tolerance was excellent. As his constitution rose, his drinking ability naturally rose as well. But there was always a higher mountain, always a stronger person. The girls of the Hail Cloud Alliance had a formidable tolerance as well. Those in the know knew that when the girls of the Hail Cloud Alliance invited you to drink, then the rest would just cower.

Of course, Ai Xiaolu and De Fulei drank heavily too. A guy like Wang Zheng naturally attracted the girls. If it was not that a certain someone was present, something might have happened.

In the lively mood, Lin Huiyin always appeared at the crucial moment to break things up. The initially happy mood was constantly interrupted. But no matter what, Huiyin's cuteness was undeniable.

Ai Xiaolu and De Fulei could do nothing as well. They had lost this silent battle from the start.

Zhang Shan and the rest had drunk a fair amount as well. Ai Xiaolu and her friends wanted Snow Li to send Wang Zheng back, but Huiyin foiled that as well. Zhang Shan and Majgull, upon hearing that the Princess had a request, rushed up to fulfil it. They could not be rejected.

Seeing Huiyin's smile, Ai Xiaolu and De Fulei could do nothing as well. They had gone to great efforts to organize the night, including the food, drink, and entertainment to set up a good chance for Snow Li. There was a saying on Earth that the happiest times were when one met a lover and when one had made a great accomplishment. After a big battle, Wang Zheng's entire person was electrified with happiness. At this time, his male charms were unstoppable, only matched by Snow Li's own unstoppable charms. This was such a good opportunity to turn into a great story.

But…

On the way back, the Princess was very happy. Luckily she had come, otherwise who knew what would have happened. Girls today were so bold.

But Angela breathed a sigh of relief. From what she saw, Huiyin simply held a liking and a desire to protect that grew from Aina.

May all the gods protect her.

The four, including Lie Xin and Achilles, had their own small gathering as well. This battle had already drawn the distance further. Achilles was still doing fine. After all, he had met Marzu, the number 1 in the college. The difficulty level was too high, and Achilles did not play riskily. Just as Jiang Feng said, this was just a competition, and not some major battle.

But the Martians had indeed fallen off. Lie Xin's performance was by no means good, although she was not completely to blame. Girls were naturally slightly weaker in mecha battles. In comparison, they were more suited to operate warships.

The Lie family was an exception. The Lie Flame Technique was after all for battle. It was a pity that Lie Xin was not a guy. If she was, things would be completely different.

As for Lie Guang, he was not even worth mentioning. He was already far behind, not even on Zhang Shan's level. The competition here was too intense. In the Solar System he could still stand out, but here he quickly fell into the crowd. It was not that he did not work hard, but there was simply too much for him to catch up on, and he could not keep up.

Although Zhang Shan had poor foundations, but his talent was undeniable. He had a knack for picking things up quickly. Things that required thorough understanding had people stuck for months or years. He blazed past these without much effort or time. Besides, following Wang Zheng, his mental state was always on high. It would be difficult to not want to get better.

A ferocious tiger accompanied by a lamb. Even the lamb would become aggressive.

Milo's situation was about the same. In terms of battling, she could not keep up. But as Achilles' assistant, she had done plenty of work in other aspects. This was after all Milo's usefulness. And Elite Academy had related specializations. Besides fighting, there were also support jobs.

But Lie Guang could not be a support. A support needed to study even more complicated content that he was completely unsuited for.

Wang Zheng and Lear's showing had indeed spurred Lie Xin, but she could not do anything about it. Although their relationship was not bad, even Achilles could not do anything. In terms of improving her arts, Lie Xin was not good enough. It could only be said that the Lie Flame Technique did not suit girls, and Lie Guang was simply untalented.

"It looks like the Lie people are anxious." Milo said softly.

"Lie Flame Technique is one of the top cultivation techniques in the Solar System. It is in no way inferior to my own Heavenly King Arts. Besides, the Sage Sect's presence means there should be even less problems. Theoretically, they should be ahead of us." Achilles understood Lie Xin well. They had started together, and competed together. But now she was slipping further and further behind.

"Lie Guang is rather weak as well. I heard that he's not actually from the Lie family." Milo felt a little embarrassed as well. Perhaps the Lie family had considered this as well. Too bad Lie Xin was a girl.

Achilles smiled slightly. "These are Lie family matters. It does not concern us."

"Lear wants to talk to you. Are you going?" Milo asked.

Achilles smiled. "How do you see it?"

"Lear is bold and meticulous, and daring. His ability goes without saying, and his family's influence is great as well. Ever since he entered Elite Academy, all of the Black Tortoise Professors like him. His flattery skills are superb as well." Milo said.

"Oh, that's indeed true." Achilles understood Milo's meaning.

Milo suddenly laughed, revealing a set of pearly-white teeth. "It is not a problem to have great ambition. The problem is that with one slip-up, he might sell you out."

"Haha, if that was not the case, then that would not be Lear. It's not the first day we know him. What do you think of Luo Fei?"

"Luo Fei? That fatty?" Milo had no idea why Achilles would mention that person. She had almost forgotten him. "I'm not sure why Lear spends so much effort on that guy. He can't be just good at bootlicking."

Achilles nodded. "Although we don't click that well with Lear, but he's not an enemy. Besides, he's not the superficial kind. But we of the Moon must find our own way."

Even if there was a rising opportunity, those of the Moon were no longer willing to play second fiddle to the Earthlings!

After the competition had ended, the school returned to a normal state of studying. Of course, reputation had been reshuffled accordingly. This competition had unearthed many pros, and those that were normally low-profile had suddenly shot to fame. But class was still class. In the Elite Academy, people did not chase fame. Everybody had the chance to stand at the top. This was simply a beginning.

Wang Zheng, Lear and the rest knew this as well. Besides normal classes, they also participated in mecha design. A custom model was indeed not to be taken lightly.

Everyone had expected a new name to be added to the previous top 4. No one had expected for three dark horses to rush ahead and eliminate two of the original four.

Chapter 717: Genesis Coffee's Big Bowl

Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas

Although the battle had shot him to fame, but nothing much had changed between Wang Zheng and Zhang Shan. Zhang Shan's brainless enthusiasm had been triggered. He decided that he would stand in the finals the next time. But he was also clear that simply depending on his warping was useless. But more than that, some higher tier mecha could already have the ability, even if their speed was a bit slower. But this left Zhang Shan a little miffed. An ability that could be replicated was nothing special. He needed something unique.

He had applied every last bit of knowledge regarding space, and Zhang Shan and Wang Zheng had discussed this ability as well. Although Wang Zheng could not use spatial abilities, but his understanding of space was no less than Zhang Shan's.

And Wang Zheng still remembered Old Zhuo's words. To become the ace mechanist, one must not only improve oneself, but also develop a comprehensive understanding of mecha.

All kinds of mecha. It did not mean a simplistic understanding of what each mecha could do. That was meaningless, and something that any slightly capable mechanist could achieve. The real ace mechanist not only understood the limits of their own mecha, but also the limits of their opponent's mecha.

Once that was achieved, then the advantage in battle was firmly within one's control. This was something that no opponent could control.

Wang Zheng felt that this was rather exaggerated, because understanding a mecha's limits was a tedious and arduous task. As a repair personnel himself, he was very clear on this. Knowing one or two was easy, but the problem was that there were thousands and thousands of mecha types. Even the main ones had a few hundred. This was a joke. But Old Zhuo had said that there were more than 100 people in the know. Wang Zheng had balked. If he had known Old Zhuo any less well, he would have thought he was bragging.

He could only say that he was not the most hardworking. It looked like there were people even more enthusiastic than him.

Wang Zheng wanted to challenge it. Since this condition existed in the Elite Academy, why not utilize it?

His access was already high, so this was not a problem.

Class, regimented practice of Primordial Regression Technique, mecha training, and lastly, looking for Butcher to discuss the mecha design plans.

All five of them had their own teams to design the plans. Once the plans were out, the actual creation could proceed smoothly. And these mecha plans were naturally top secret. Each was sealed tight, and even the Genesis Coffee Club access could not see them.

Butcher and Gail had not expected Wang Zheng to gain such a prize, and his defeat of Hocatolin was completely unexpected. They thought that Wang Zheng was doomed to lose, but that brat had actually made it. But then again, compared to his return from the Deep Abyss, it was nothing special after all.

The way the two scientists saw it, the difficulty and meaning of his return was much higher than a mere competition. Of course, Butcher would definitely honor his promise. He would not only personally take a hand in the creation, but would pester his old friends to come back.

Butcher's friends were naturally pros, and some were also members of Genesis Coffee Club.

Wang Zheng was currently participating in a broadcast meeting, and Butcher and Gail were also present. The other was someone that Wang Zheng was meeting for the first time, although he had heard of him for a long time. The master of mecha design, Professor Baegula. He had anchored many top-tier mecha designs. Most importantly, he was the one who had made the runic technology breakthrough.

To get such a master to design something for a single person was immensely difficult. His forte was in direction and frameworks, but he could not shrug off Butcher's pestering this time round, and had been bullied into participating.

One had to know that given Baegula's ability, a few adjustments in the major points would see endless benefits. This was about the details. Only a machinist who had attained a certain level could feel it. And for these runic mecha, this was undoubtedly the most important thing.

Presently, Baegula had already been perusing the data for a while. Baegula knew that Wang Zheng was a member of Genesis Coffee, otherwise he would not have consented to come in spite of Butcher and Gail's pestering. His own work kept him so busy that he wished he could duplicate himself, and he did not have the time or energy to accompany little kids' play. And things like a Huang Grade winning the competition was nothing in his eyes. Perhaps if a Heaven Grade expert wanted to customize a mecha, he might just consider it.

But given Wang Zheng's situation, as a physics student entering the Genesis Coffee Club, this was unusual in itself. And to have achieved such a result in Elite Academy, Baegula's interest was sparked.

"Baegula you punk, what are you up to? Aren't you done reading yet?" Gail could not sit still anymore. Gail was getting on in years, and the senior in age. Even for Baegula he would not hold back. And everybody knew his personality was like an old kid.

Baegula shook his head slightly. The data had Wang Zheng's basic body toughness tests, including strength, speed, endurance, and stamina etc. It was holistic, and even included a few of Wang Zheng's crucial battle records, helping to set the direction by detailing his battle style. Of course, Wang Zheng had his own understanding of things, but for a professional, they saw things clearer away from the heat of the battle. Their perspective was more comprehensive and more objective, and not something that the average person could match.

Baegula had come out of curiosity, but now was completely engrossed. The physical data was not bad, but in truth he had seen even more ridiculous numbers. But he was just a student, and Baegula had also seen the footage. He felt that the numbers did not reflect the whole truth.

The first was Wang Zheng's bloodbath against the Zerg in IG. Clearly, such Zerg were like food in front of a pro, but given Wang Zheng's ability then, as well as the mecha conditions, he had actually brought the problematic Golden Wheel Battle King mecha to such heights.

In others' eyes, Golden Wheel Battle King mecha was a stellar work, but Bergula did not think it was special. Besides, he did not make such mass-produced mecha.

He had thought Wang Zheng's strength was the output type, but after he saw his Phantom King, this hypothesis topped. He had used the phantom switch immaculately, and his close combat skills were flawless and fierce.

These were all reasonable. Wang Zheng could do it, but pros could as well. Until the Hercules match.

Baegula had become completely serious now. Because those that designed super-mecha were especially sensitive of the pilot's ability. Regardless whether it was the Golden Wheel Battle King or Phantom King, these were classic works, and a grasp of their unique strengths was a basic prerequisite of becoming a super-mechanist. It was not a surprise, or Wang Zheng would not have the qualification to sit here.

But Hercules?

An agricultural mecha. Baegula naturally understood the countries' situations, but to use it to this level… His judgement, the adroitness of his wrists and fingers, they belonged to someone who had completely broken the habits of humanity.

Glancing at Wang Zheng's young, even naïve face, Baegula found it a little hard to believe.

How could such a young man exist? Had he been neglecting the students for too long?

"How did you do it?" Baegula asked.

"I say, Baegula, you brood for half the day, then shoot off some nonsense question without so much as a word of context. Nobody knows what you're talking about." Gail said.

Baegula laughed at himself. "Right, let me make myself clear. I'm talking about Hercules' revolving spade. How did you do it?"

Wang Zheng laughed, and stretched out his hands. His 10 fingers began to waggle so quickly that they became a blur, making even Gail and Butcher giddy. It was like a magic trick. And then suddenly Wang Zheng sprang up, and was upside down… with one finger supporting his weight.

And then the 10 fingers began switching constantly. At one point, even his little finger alone could hold him up.

The three of them stared wide-eyed and slack-jawed. No wonder he could bring forth such terrifying mecha power. A flawless agility and endurance that backed his unbelievable skills.

Chapter 718: Luo Fei's Repairing Skills

Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas

Finally, the meeting's resulted in no result, because Baegula wanted to personally come down. He also impressed on Butcher not to pass this on to anyone else.

Butcher was exasperated. From the start, this geezer had only consented to take a look and make some suggestions after all kinds of pestering. But now he wanted to personally come down. The program that Baegula was currently supervising was also very important, but it seemed like he could make some time.

It seemed like Wang Zheng was set. If Baegula consented to come down personally, then things would be vastly different. In the deep abyss, if he had a customized mecha fighter, he would not be only at the receiving end of the beating.

The memory was still too vivid.

One day, humanity would conquer the deep abyss.

Old Zhuo's intention had been to find a way to seal the deep abyss, but in truth even if he had sent the message back, Wang Zheng had seen the horrifying power for himself. But humanity would not stop, at least not before experiencing it firsthand.

And Wang Zheng's character was the same. He did not think defense and evasion was the way to do it. The war between humanity and Zerg had begun the instant they met in the Solar System.

Rather than wait for the bugs to discover them, it was better to destroy them in the deep abyss.

More importantly, this war was better fought in the deep abyss than anywhere else.

The world that humanity governed could not withstand the ravages of such war. Regardless of the outcome, all the planets would be destroyed. This was the Zerg, and furthermore Abyss Zerg.

Lear and the rest had already begun their own personal designs. Wang Zheng already understood the main gist of it. The specialized runic mechas of humanity were basically created using Atlantean runic technology. The difference was that it was not controlled by energy, but responded directly to Ability X.

Crucially, the marvelous energy ore P from the abyss, along with the material harvested from abyss Zerg, material G, made up the runic mecha's basis, known as PLG technology.

Compared to normal mechas, runic mechas' abilities were less constrained, and their Ability X levels were stronger.

It was said that the mecha body used a large amount of biological processes. The details of assembly did not use metals, but rather incorporated Zerg materials. This maintained the endurance and strength, and added agility. Of course, these were mostly composite materials.

Only, such mechas could not be mass produced. They were specially made for the leaders of the elite. And for these five to receive such mechas meant that they would at least become modest leaders in the future.

Although the cream of the Xuan Grade had been preparing hard, but these three Huang Grade students had not given them face at all.

Ever since the qualifiers, Wang Zheng had received numerous invitations from the school clubs. These clubs were not all entertainment. Many were study or research types. Only, Wang Zheng was too busy with his own things. Zhang Shan had participated in a few, and his results were not bad as well. For a Huang Grade student to reach this far was already commendable.

In the rare moment of free time he had, Wang Zheng was dragged off by Huiyin to do creative work. Huiyin was after all a princess of Aslan. Since coming to Elite Academy, she did not have many friends, a sacrifice that she had to make as princess. Wang Zheng was clueless about music beyond humming an occasional line. He was completely out of it, and mostly spent the time chatting with Huiyin. But each time he went to accompany her, he was happy.

Just like that, the first semester at Elite Academy ended. Wang Zheng and Zhang Shan had established their own standing at Elite Academy, and Wang Zheng's mecha was also proceeding smoothly in its design. Baegula had personally set the design direction. Of course, he could not personally take command of this program, but even going this far had left the designers in shock. While such things did not mean much to Baegula, but his personal attention meant that the designers paid extra attention not to overlook the smallest detail.

Elite Academy's vacation was a full three months, and everyone had their own plans. Those that lived too far, and had inconvenient transport options mostly stayed, and some continued to research at the college. In the holiday period, many of the school facilities continued to operate, and were available for use, although many students still returned home.

If they were from Roland Garros, or stayed nearby, then it was definitely convenient. Therefore, Ling Luoyu and Mo Ling felt at ease. They would just return home. Holidays were undoubtedly the happiest period for the girls, who loved to travel.

Since it was the holidays, they would have to enjoy it fully. Those that continued to study furiously were not open-minded. Life was not only about study and work.

Wang Zheng and Zhang Shan waned to go back. It seemed like in the Solar System, only Lear was staying in school. Even Luo Fei was going home, and Lear did not stop him this time. Clearly, this guy's heart was elsewhere, and forcing him to stay was meaningless. And he had to stay at Elite Academy because there were many things to be done. At the same time, he had to supervise the construction of his runic mecha. This mecha would be his main mecha, and Lear prized it above all else. He had cultivated good relations with the workers as well, hoping that they would put in the due effort. Just like with anything else, runic mechas still differed greatly from each other.

Wang Zheng packed a few things and was already sitting in the shuttle towards the Solar System. Many of them were going as well. This Elite Academy trip had indeed made the Solar System people become even more mature. Luo Fei was present as well. He was the easygoing kind, like Zhang Shan. Nobody really quibbled over expenses, but… This guy lived on Achilles' dime the entire way, because he was broke.

The good thing was that everyone was used to the fatty eating a lot, but nobody dared to underestimate this wily fatty. He had, after all, made it into the main competition. Could you still call it luck?

And as for Fatty following Lear, and accepting the beatings and scoldings that accompanied it, that was something nobody understood.

"Luo Fei, how about coming to Mars to play? I'll introduce some hot Martian babes to you." Lie Guang teased. Martians were direct people, and thought nothing of such things. In all kinds of appetites, Lie Guang was a pro. And in this aspect, Lie Guang was definitely more experienced than the average person.

Luo Fei's eyes lit up, but his face quickly dropped. "I'm broke."

"Tch. On Mars, you won't have to worry about money."

Luo Fei was highly tempted, but eventually shook his head. "Forget it, it's better to taste the sweet after the sour rather than before. I better return home obediently.

Lie Guang laughed. "You're too afraid of Lear."

Luo Fei did not regard this as embarrassing at all. But without Lear around, everyone was more relaxed.

"Achilles, how are you all planning to spend the holidays? D*mn, three months, I don't know what to do as well. I'm planning to return to school for a few days, and then find something to occupy myself." Zhang Shan said airily, although his eyes were on Milo. What a quiet but intellectual beauty. If he made it big next time, he would definitely find such an assistant. Then life would be good.

But this was utterly impossible. Milo was not playing the role of assistant because she wanted to become an assistant. She was an aristocrat from Moon. This was completely the family's resources and her own personal charm.

Achilles smiled in reply. "No plans yet. We've gained much this time round, and I may need some time to digest it all. Wang Zheng, what are your plans?"

Wang Zheng was jerked back from his memories. He was already on the way back to Earth. Although he had not had particularly strong feelings during his time at the college, but thinking about it, many things had indeed happened.

"Nothing much either. I have to report back to school for a while. And then perhaps if time allows, I plan to go to Tita Titan Star." Wang Zheng said.

"Oh, that place is great! I want to go too!" ZHANG SHAN said. He was just brooding about having no plans.

"There are no pretty girls there."

"D*mn, I'll have you know that my moral integrity is really high. I'm all prepared to do great things in the future, and don't have time to think about girls and such!" Zhang Shan said pompously to explosive laughter from all around.

"What do y'all mean by this exuberant laughter! I'm clearly speaking the truth." Zhang Shan 'indignantly' declared.

From one side, fatty Luo Fei quipped, "I'm very thin. Do you believe me?"

Zhang Shan was at a loss. He did not even have the bluster to reply.

"Luo Fei's counters are splendid!" Lie Xin clapped and cheered.

"Must have learnt it from Lear." Zhang Shan griped. "Wang Zheng, let's go back and find Chen Xiu and the rest to play. Ares College definitely isn't on break, so we should also invite Chen Xiu's sisters."

"That's your plan, isn't it." Wang Zheng said. "D*mn, you're unsatisfiable aren't you?"

"I'm just a normal male that's all. Say, I'm handsome, and returned from overseas. Do you think I'll be popular?" Zhang Shan suddenly thought of his girl juniors in school. He heard that girl juniors worshipped capable seniors.

"There are three good things about girl juniors. Their voices are clear, their bodies are nubile, and they're easy to push over." Lie Guang said. "I'll go back for a look as well."

Both exchanged glances. It seemed like they had found a new like-minded companion.

Zhang Shan shot his mouth like a cannon, but Lie Guang was definitely capable of the same. The name of the Lie family alone would get the girls chasing after.

Ares College, although bereft of its popular students like Wang Zheng, Zhang Shan, and Meng Tian, was no less lively. Each generation had their own talents, and new leaders always emerged.

Times were different now. Zhang Shan wanted to return home first, while Wang Zheng headed directly for the school. That was home to him too.

Principal Gu Te had already retired. He had done great work for the school, dedicating over 40 years of his life to the school. Although Ares College had once been in a crisis, and almost become a combined school, but he had stood his ground. But now he was getting on in years, and it was time to step aside. In the end, his recommendation had been accepted, and Xiao Fei had become the new principal of Ares College.

This nomination had sparked a new debate. It was not over Xiao Fei's youth, which had never been a problem. Instead, it was that she was a physicist, while Ares College was a military college, which was why others had nominated military personnel. In the end, the matter could not be resolved, and had been decided by an election opened to the whole school. As expected, Xiao Fei decimated the other candidates, and became the principal.

Although her specialization was in physics, but Xiao Fei was a honest to goodness student of Ares College, which meant a lot. After her inauguration, Xiao Fei had not started any revolutionary changes, but instead continued to upkeep many of the policies that Gu Te had kept in place and strengthened them. Of course, Xiao Fei's own subjective interests were promoted, and students were encouraged to be creative and have their own personality, and not follow blindly.

Given Xiao Fei's influence and charms, the new principal was very popular within the school indeed.

Chapter 719: Great to be the Principal!

Translator: Abyssruler Editor: Lucas

The space program, from theory to successful realization, had elevated Xiao Fei's influence to the peak, almost to the point where she collected so many medals that she sprained her hand. Countless television broadcast invites, which Xiao Fei used to dismiss readily had flooded her. But now she could not help it. As a principal, she had a mission to wave her school's banner proudly. After a busy period, she had finally returned to a peaceful life. A pretty girl always had an advantage, and Ares College's influence recently had grown.

Luckily the program was completed, and Xiao Fei had allocated rest time as well. Since research had no endpoint, she could not drive herself so strictly. On the contrary, Xiao Fei had been taking it very easy for some time now, traveling, learning the piano… Xiao Fei's piano skills would offend even the gods and demons themselves.

"Wang Zheng, what sort of expression is this? Don't I play well?" Xiao Fei asked smilingly.

Her dear student had returned, and of course she had to be concerned. As a result, Wang Zheng had been forced to stay at Xiao Fei's place.

The Ares College principal's status was not low, and a personal villa was given. There were many rooms as well. Ever since Wang Zheng had entered Elite Academy, his dorm room was of course let out.

"Sounds… good." Wang Zheng said through his teeth. This was definitely so good he felt like dying.

"Like I said, a genius can do anything. When I was young, I wanted to learn ballet and piano, but neither succeeded," Xiao Fei said. Wang Zheng could not help glancing at Xiao Fei's generous bust. Surely that was unsuited for ballet?

"Little pervert, where are you looking at?" Xiao Fei teased.

Wang Zheng stood up, and suddenly seized Xiao Fei's waist. She tensed visibly, and her eyes gave off a deeply affectionate look. "Dear Professor Xiao Fei, please do not seduce me. If my inner beast acts up, you're finished."

Saying thus, he patted Xiao Fei's cheek. "I'm going out. No need to wait for me for dinner."

His acting was perfect, only… he ran away too fast.

Xiao Fei touched her cheek absently. This rascal actually dared to tease her. He had become bold.

Wang Zheng called this 'he who strikes first, wins'. Always being teased by Xiao Fei was intolerable.

This was not about control, it was about one's nature.

The school grounds had not changed too much. The neat rows of parasol trees were still lively and proud, although he did not recognize the students anymore, and those that recognized him were rare as well.

Time really diluted everything. Some people were chatting about some competition. Something about the most handsome one.

Wang Zheng wandered for a bit, then called Chen Xiu's Skylink. "Where you at? Treat me to dinner."

Chen Xiu was taken aback. Who was this, to ask for a dinner treat straight off the bat… That voice…"Ah! Brother Zheng, you're back?"

"Yup, I'm in school. Is Ailun around?"

"Brother Ailun has something on and isn't back yet. Haha, where are you now? I'll go over immediately!"

Chen Xiu immediately leapt up, and rushed out of the dormitory. In truth, he had changed much as well. He had grown up now, and was somebody famous in the school.

When he met Chen Xiu, he almost did not recognize him. "D*mn, you punk, you really grew. Late puberty, huh?"

After he spoke, he gave Chen Xiu a big hug. "Brother Zheng, that's completely acceptable at my age, you know."

Wang Zheng just remembered that Chen Xiu was actually much younger than them. He was a child prodigy, and now had grown up.

"Senior Chen Xiu, if you have time tomorrow, would you like to come to the club? Everybody misses you."

Three girls had rushed up to ask him after standing at the side for a while.

Chen Xiu smiled. "My friend is visiting. How about this. Next week I'll definitely go once."

"Senior, we'll be waiting for you!" The three girls left, delighted, their eyes full of admiration.

Wang Zheng was grinning at the side. "Oh wow, look how much somebody has grown."

"Keke, that's not it. Those are juniors from our spatial physics interest group." Chen Xiu was better than the rest, and had not descended into being a beast. "That's right. Where is Brother Shan?"

"He went home first, but he might come after a while. That's right. Your sisters are still on his mind. If any of them is still single, how about considering him?"

"Right, right. But perhaps his charms are lacking. If Brother Zheng makes a move though, you could get all three," Chen Xiu hurriedly said. Sigh, this poor child had been bullied by his pretty sisters for too long. He hoped someone could come and take them all away!

Wang Zheng was amused as well. To have such a prodigy as a younger brother must be something else too.

"… Meng Tian and Runan aren't back?"

"Nope, aren't you in contact?" Chen Xiu asked curiously.

"Um. Not in the same system." Wang Zheng replied. Elite Academy and Milky Way Military College's schedules should be synchronized, but clearly Meng Tian had not returned yet.

"Brother Zheng, how long are you back for? We need to have a proper meet up this time!"

"Should be a while." Wang Zheng said. Yan Xiaosu and Ye Zisu were all on Tita Star, and it was said to be eyeballing the program's development. Wang Zheng going over this time round was also to see if there was anything he could help with. But that was not very urgent. After all, it was extra.

The Abyss incident had made Wang Zheng feel like he wanted to treasure the life he lived even more, besides achieving his goals. Even a day spent doing nothing was an experience.

Perhaps in a few years, everyone would scatter to do their own thing, and who knew where Chen Xiu and the rest would end up.

"Oh, is Old Deer still commentating?" Wang Zheng asked.

"Yes, although he's coming on less often now. He's mostly working behind the scenes now, and forcing Ailun to take his place." Chen Xiu said. "Brother Ailun is really popular nowadays."

"Haha, that's a good thing. Looks like he's embarking on the entertainment path of no return. Does that guy have a girlfriend yet?"

"Brother Ailun is still single. Brother Zheng, you look like you haven't changed much."

"Is that right? Well, plenty has changed." Chen Xiu pestered Wang Zheng for a story. He loved to hear about Wang Zheng's risky exploits, the likes of which he would never experience.

Chen Xiu just wanted to graduate smoothly, and perhaps find a job, become a Professor, or continue research. But he would not live the life of danger like Wang Zheng, or in the spotlight like Yao Ailun. But he was happy to know such friends.

Wang Zheng was almost like telling a story to a kid.

In another place, Yao Ailun was a little troubled. This was a high level competition that Old Deer had organized, a 3v3 PK (Player Kill) competition consisting of well-known analysts teamed up with mystery guests.

Recently, the commentary competition had been intense. Old Deer's history was definitely the longest. As CT's influence grew larger and larger, the analysts were also like celebrities. And Old Deer's organized events were great successes, and he had left the stage in glory. He rarely showed his face now, leaving the stage to the younger ones.

Yao Ailun was definitely one of the popular ones. His professional data-analysis approach was popular with university students, and had been named the annual most popular CT commentator among university students.

CT wanted to increase its popularity as well. Besides professional players' competitions, it had attracted quite a few e-sports celebrities, whose standard was not bad. These were simply to build networks.

One commentator, one professional pro, and a mystery guest.

The professional players were easy. Ailun had already established a connection with Prince, whose status in the CT circle was unquestionable. He was also the longest competitive player, and had plenty of reputation and fame.

But the mystery guest, this was a headache. He did not know many people from the entertainment industry.

And the commentary competition was very intense. When there was an industry, there was growing competition. Popularity was not confined to just Yao Ailun alone.

"Oh? Isn't this our superstar Ailun? Why aren't you headed back yet? Could it be that you're brooding about being unable to find a mystery guest? Stop hesitating and go beg Old Deer. He will definitely introduce someone to you."

"Haha, Brother Mu, he can only go the 'Father' route now."

"Mu Guang! Do you have a problem?" Yao Ailun said coldly.

"What's wrong? You wanna fight? I heard you're from Ares College. Ooh, scary."

Yao Ailun clenched his fists tightly. He walked away from a bunch of people jeering at him. In this period, he had clearly felt that part-time and full-time were completely different things. When doing it part-time, nobody took him seriously, but when he turned pro, he was infringing on their own benefits. Old Deer had treated him very well, but some things needed to be handled by himself.

"What? Wang Zheng is back? Alright! I'll go over immediately!" Yao Ailun's mood lifted. In front of Chen Xiu, Ailun would not talk about his troubles. Besides, Chen Xiu thought that Ailun right now was unbelievably cool, although life could not be such a bed of roses. Besides he was a late convert. Before, he had been partnered with Old Deer, who handled everything. And he had just been an amateur. But things were different now.

But thinking of his old friend come back, his worries floated away with the clouds.