IWYTBW - Chapter 11
Chapter 11
So-Called Strength Means Even Your Soul Should Sparkle.
Yi Zhen sat at the dining table, his mind wandering even as he ate, pondering over how exactly to deal with the Blood Tribulus[e/n: Tribulus is an alt name for Caltrops, which are spiked metal devices scattered on the ground to impede enemies.] quest.
Clearly, this hidden weapon resembled a fragmentation bomb, yet it was far more primitive and malicious in nature. Through generations of enhancement and experimentation, the final form of the Blood Tribulus was developed. It boasted thirteen blades sharp enough to slice through iron as if it were mud, or alternatively, it could be imbued with thirteen different poisons so lethal that death would follow upon mere contact. This variation of the Blood Blood Tribulus came to be known as the “Thirteen Poison Blood Tribulus”.
With the limited resources at Yi Zhen’s disposal, he could only concoct the Three-Poison Blood Tribulus, which was far from the ultimate version with Thirteen Poisons.
What should he do now? Everything of value he possessed was a reward from the system, and as for the Rong family… well, it was perhaps best not to mention them. Until now, he still hadn’t figured out what the Rong family did for a living, mainly because the original work was merely an erotic novel, lacking any such background settings. So, where could he go to find those adorable poisons?
“Who would have thought,” Yi Zhen mused to himself. “Some people may be covered in gold and silver, indulging in the finest food and drink, but when you open their wallets, it’s cleaner than their faces.”
He had considered making purchases through the Star Network, but his main account was closely monitored by people sent by Rong Hongxue; turning to Sha Baitian was also not an option, for he had previously promised him high-quality goods that he now couldn’t deliver—not even the raw materials had been found. Without using official channels or approaching Sha Baitian, and lacking funds to engage other black market merchants, he was at an impasse.
Was he truly considering selling a portion of the Peach Blossom Miasma and Jade Toad Saliva? This thought deeply displeased Yi Zhen. The poisons he possessed were unique treasures, non-existent in the era of the Great Universe. To part with them so hastily seemed utterly unwarranted.
Perhaps, if he were to flip through the 《 Book of Poisons 》, there could be some simple hidden weapons or poison formulas to be discovered, which he could then turn around and sell? After all, his freely disposable secondary account held only a whole 6320 yuan —pitifully meager for someone of his high-born status…
“Yi Zhen...?”
Hearing a voice filled with confusion, Yi Zhen looked up to see Ai Ling standing not far away. Her complexion was ghastly, lips tinged with shades of blue and purple.
Ai Ling stared at Yi Zhen’s face, as speechless as if she had seen a ghost.
...Who is this, who the hell is this?
Two weeks ago, she had seen Yi Zhen, pale and thin to the point where one pinch of the fingers could snap him in two. However, now, the air of frailty around him had vanished entirely. His brows were relaxed, and as he sat there silently, there was a sort of gentle yet icy essence flowing in his eyes.
Ai Ling was at a loss for words to describe her feelings. As a Class B Pilot, advancing to Class A would enable her to materialize her psychic power, significantly enhancing her strength. The form she had chosen for herself was that of the Blood Lion, a formidable creature whose fangs gleamed coldly, a sovereign of both the jungles and the wastelands. She yearned to embody such a majestic being, hoping it would allow her to shed the prejudices and disdain she had endured.
She shouldn’t have felt fear for anyone... especially not for someone as frail and insignificant as one who wasn’t even a pilot. Yet, at that moment, she distinctly sensed something from Yi Zhen, something that sent chills down her spine.
“Ai Ling?” It was Yi Zhen who first broke the silence. “Why are you standing there? Has something happened?”
He raised his eyebrows slightly, scrutinizing the girl closely. Her complexion was deathly pale, and strands of her hair stuck to her cheeks as if she had just been pulled from the water. Her body trembled uncontrollably, and her lips had turned a shade of bluish-purple.
Looking further down, Yi Zhen’s gaze solidified on her damaged combat suit. She stood with her hands clasped behind her, traces of a faint bloody scent wafting through the air.
Ai Ling couldn’t help but drift off again, lost in the effortless tone of his voice, which carried on as if nothing had ever happened. It was as though there had never been any discord between them, as if she had never once humiliated the widow of the Rong family…
“Miss Ai Ling,” the elderly butler hurried over, “why didn’t you mention your return... Oh!”
Ai Ling mustered a strained smile and took a few steps forward, emerging from the shadows of the marble columns.
Yi Zhen’s gaze was different from before; with just a brief glance, he had taken in every detail of Ai Ling’s appearance.
The elderly butler’s mouth opened and closed rapidly as he urgently instructed the servant, “Quickly, take the young miss to the infirmary, go quickly!”
Ai Ling’s voice was faint as she spoke, “There’s no need, Uncle Guan, I’m truly alright, just sustained some minor injuries... The military academy’s training is rigorous, and the combat department even more so, I...”
“Fingernails,” Yi Zhen said.
Ai Ling was taken aback, “...What?”
Yi Zhen said, “Fingernails, bring them out.”
Ai Ling’s eyes widened as she gazed at him, her bluish-purple lips quivering. Suddenly, she erupted in fury, “How dare you come here and boss me around? Who do you think you are?! Do you have any idea, you... I... you...”
She was mid-rant when her voice cracked, trembling uncontrollably, almost as if she was on the verge of bursting into sobs.
Yi Zhen spoke softly, “Don’t be rebellious within our own ranks. If you don’t cooperate, I have plenty of ways to make you comply.”
With a flick of his wrist, he snapped his fingers crisply.
Ailing was a dozen meters away from him when she suddenly caught a whiff of a warm fragrance, intoxicating as the spring breeze, unfolding a vast expanse of pinks, both deep and light, before her eyes.
At that moment, she was in a daze, with all the humiliation, anger, powerlessness, and fear dissipating in the bird-song-filled, fragrant spring. There was nothing left worth clinging to. Her mind pleasantly emptied, and for a long time, she was entirely in a state akin to sleepwalking.
It was only when a sharp, intense pain jolted her awake.
With a hiss, Ai Ling cried out in pain, almost reflexively. Lowering her gaze, she realized that she had unexpectedly made her way to Yi Zhen’s front, her arms outstretched as if allowing herself to be inspected. Yet, she had no memory of her actions, utterly clueless about what she had just done.
Ai Ling broke out into a cold sweat in an instant.
After a morning of intense training, Yi Zhen’s arms were still trembling uncontrollably, inadvertently hurting Ai Ling’s wound in the process. Without changing his expression, he lowered his arm and met Ai Ling’s gaze.
“...What have you done,” her voice was hoarse, “how did you manage to...this is impossible!”
“Silence,” Yi Zhen furrowed his brows, intently examining Ai Ling’s hands. The nails of her ten fingers were shattered and flipped outward, her hands bloodied. “Who did this?”
Ai Ling’s throat tightened, and with a hard edge to her voice, she replied, “It’s none of your business.”
Yi Zhen looked up at her. Under the splendid sunlight, her red hair seemed set ablaze, each strand flickering at the tips like gentle flames.
“Trembling with pain, yet you still won’t tell the truth?”
“I didn’t lie!” Ai Ling gritted his teeth in frustration. “The combat department is indeed tough, what would an outsider like you understand! I’ve only just finished my classes. If you don’t believe me, you can go check my schedule!”
“Lips, fingernails, the side of your face, the protruding veins—all shades of blue and purple, indicative of severe oxygen deprivation,” Yi Zhen remarked. “Coupled with the decaying joints and a body temperature below the average... What exactly are you studying... combat in a vacuum environment?”
“……”
Yi Zhen spoke slowly, “Although the Star Alliance University you attend is not Azoth University, its overall strength is in no way inferior to the best military academy in the Central Star. I’ve heard that Rong Hongxue is one of the honorary board members of the Alliance University. He donates a substantial sum every year. The simulated vacuum environment combat room you use is also the most advanced, capable of achieving a perfect replication of any scenario, isn’t that right?”
Ai Ling was dazed, not uttering a single word.
“Who tampered with your simulation room?” Yi Zhen inquired. “They trapped you inside without turning off the vacuum environment, so as the oxygen depleted, you struggled to get out...is that right?”
Ai Ling’s breath was rapid, but she still stubbornly refused to speak.
Yi Zhen sighed, “Uncle Guan, could you please prepare something for her to eat? You—”
The maid he singled out wore a face filled with panic.
“Come over here and feed your young lady. She’s unable to use her hands.”
He then turned to the medical attendant who had rushed over upon hearing the news, “Could you first ensure she has a full stomach before tending to the wounds on her hands?”
He maintained a tranquil demeanor, his face radiating with the luminance of jade in snow. Yet, the attendant, instinctively feeling apprehensive, dared not gaze upon him too long and merely nodded in agreement.
“Take me to your university tomorrow,” Yi Zhen said nonchalantly. “Let’s drive Rong Hongxue’s car.”
Ai Ling’s heart was in turmoil, her eyes fixed on Yi Zhen as if she were seeing him for the first time. “What are you going to do?” she stammered.
“Speak with your classmate.”
“They are all children of dukes and close relatives of the emperor, born with titles of nobility,” Ai Ling tugged at the corner of her mouth.
Yi Zhen fell silent for a moment before asking, “Have you informed Rong Hongxue?”
Ai Ling’s voice grew deeper: “There’s no need to inform my brother[e/n: chapter 6 described her as being the Daughter of RHX’s Mother’s ‘sworn brother’, making her nominally his cousin, but calling him brother wouldn’t be strange if they’re close]; I can handle it myself.”
Yi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing that. However, before Ai Ling could turn her gaze towards him, he promptly transformed his cold laughter into a polite expression.
“Then treat your classmates to a meal,” he suggested. “I’ve heard there’s a famous restaurant near the Star Alliance University. Dining on the top floor, one can witness the glorious light from the death of stars billions of years ago. How about, the day after tomorrow?”
“It was seven hundred million years ago,” Ai Ling managed a smile. “Tickets for the Star Decay Viewing are notoriously difficult to reserve, especially for the top floor.”
Yi Zhen waved his hand dismissively, “Whether it’s seven hundred million, one billion, or even ten billion—it doesn’t matter. Don’t sweat the details, just go and make the appointment. Would the night after next, at eight thirty, work?”
Ai Ling remained silent for a long time before finally speaking, “I’m just worried...”
“Worry,” Yi Zhen repeated. “Worry about idle gossip, worry about poor public opinion, worry about the strange looks from others. People worry so much, and what does it amount to?”
“You... Do you have any idea what they say about you and my brother... your relationship!” Ai Ling bit her lip, glaring at him with eyes rimmed red, “Is it just me being oversensitive, being petty? My friends tease me about it, and I can’t say anything in return. I can only laugh along with them, and when they start making fun of me personally, I find myself speechless!”
“And then,” Yi Zhen looked at her, “whenever you wanted to resist, to regain a bit of your dignity, they would silence you by bringing up my affairs with Rong Hongxue, right? If you felt a joke was inappropriate or an action was improper, they would mockingly tell you, ‘Haha, your brother and his widowed sister-in-law have been to bed together! Right?”
Ai Ling was rendered speechless, listening as Yi Zhen continued, “Don’t you understand? The ones they wish to bully, the ones they look down upon, have always been you and you alone. What does the matter between Rong Hongxue and me have to do with you? If your classmates are so fond of gossip, they should come directly to me. I guarantee I’ll give them enough to talk about, until they can speak no more.”
Ai Ling’s lips parted and then came together again as she said weakly, “I was just...”
“What unforgivable acts have you committed?”
“...None.”
Yi Zhen said coldly, “Then why do you care so much about what others say? Even those who have committed murder and arson may not worry about public criticism. You haven’t stolen or looted. With such a clear conscience, stand tall. Why be afraid of the noise from those who are irrelevant to you?”
A shiver ran through Ai Ling’s entire body, and she unexpectedly dodged the suddenly sharp gaze directed at her.
“Let’s plan to meet someone tomorrow morning,” he said. “That’s settled then; I’ll take care of everything else.”
He didn’t look at Ai Ling again. Turning, he nodded to the old butler who stood not far off, then left the dining room.
Tai’a said, [You seem very interested in the matters concerning Ai Ling Tianxinshi.]
“I was just thinking,” Yi Zhen mused as he meandered through the corridor, “since Rong Hongxue’s special mission was named ‘World Evolution,’ it’s illogical to assume that the side characters wouldn’t need to ‘evolve’ or ‘awaken’ as well. Besides, given that Ai Ling is a character with a name and a role in the book, do you think she could possibly be without other transmigrators by her side?”
[You want to set a trap.]
“Suppose so,” Yi Zhen swayed into the bedroom. “Now, help me connect to that little beast’s communicator. I intend to give him a lesson in love.”
[Then, pay attention to the time; don’t miss the afternoon class.]
Main Quest Triggered!
Quest Name: Negotiation
Objective: Combat campus bullying and reject school violence.
Although I had only briefly encountered Ai Ling once before, I foresaw that her excessive pride and sense of inferiority would inevitably lead to her downfall.
What I hadn’t anticipated was how swiftly that day would arrive.
Born on a remote and desolate planet at the edge of civilized space, she harbored deep desires to integrate into a high-standing clique that was never truly hers to join. Rong Hongxue, who was nominally her support and protector, had never provided her with any substantial assistance or aid.
I figured it was time for me to have a talk with Rong Hongxue.
Task Reward:
Skill Points x2
Bloodline Worms x10
***
In the vast vacuum of space, 1.2 astronomical units away from the Spindle constellation—Luna Star, a massive, sleek spaceship drifted. Orbiting it were more than a dozen escort ships, shimmering like a vibrant school of fish in the deep sea.
“Mr. Rong, Lady Yun Xingchen suggests once more that the meeting be rescheduled to the early morning, 72 hours from now. I believe that as the dawn breaks, Lady Yun Xingchen’s mood will also see improvement,” a man conveyed, hopeful that the change in timing might bring a positive turn to their anticipated meeting.
Rong Hongxue was adorned in a jet-black combat suit, his mech’s halo gleaming above his head. The dark gold inscriptions that faintly wreathed his form lent him the air of a towering, ebony deity as he stood at the heart of the control room.
The holographic envoy displayed an anthropoid, long and slender figure. His face was gaunt, his skin a radiant, pale gold, with the notable exception of his missing nose. A breathing hole and slender struts served in its stead. At this moment, the envoy focused his blue-black eyes on Rong Hongxue, irises seeming to gently rotate with living starlight.
“As you are aware, my friend, I have come here with the utmost sincerity.”
He was lightly swaying his head. He had no hair, only dozens of silvery-white whiskers that were neatly swept back from his forehead. They hung down the back of his head, with the whiskers slightly glowing in a pale, brilliant blue toward the ends.
Rong Hongxue gave him a faint smile, which was not quite a smile.
“So, is it Miss Xingchen’s 72 hours, or my 72 hours as a human?” he asked, “Tell me, Cecil, my friend, how should I interpret this?”
“Having been in diplomacy for such an extended amount of time, I can say with the utmost confidence that I have become quite the virtuoso in the fields of human emotionology and rhetoric,” Cecil then tilted his head. “Are you being sarcastic?”
Rong Hongxue spoke softly, “I hope my sarcasm has not harmed our friendship. At the same time, I hope that the cost I paid to come here from the central star, traversing an entire galaxy, was not in vain.”
Cecil moved three fingers. “My friend, why do you want to make things difficult for me? Most of the resources that the Azoth Empire possesses are mineral resources. In that empire of mineral resources, half of that domain is within your grasp. Why not take the high road and give up your mining rights for the biological mineral resources in the Crimson Cloak galaxy? Lady Yun seems determined. Know this, her wishes are not within the power of any of us to change.”
“Before this, Miss Yun had already reached an understanding with me,” Rong Hongxue remained unmoved. “I secured the rights to the first mine opening, and she got what she needed. As for why she’s changed her tune now, I’m still in the dark.”
Cecil was in a dilemma, his fingers tapping against his stiff, tailored suit, emitting a faint crackling sound.
“Very well, Cecil.” Said Rong Hongxue. “I will take a step back. You tell me what caused Lady Yun to change her mind. Then I will decide whether to go see her.”
Cecil’s irises twinkled: “Thank you, my friend! I am delighted that you did not strain our friendship, and I am willing to fulfill your request!”
The holographic projection of the envoy vanished into the snowy-white floor, leaving behind only its fleeting presence. Standing subtly behind Rong Hongxue, one of his deputies, Yista Roland[e/n: 伊斯塔·罗兰 Yista Luolan, but 罗兰 translates to Roland specifically, so...], broke the silence with a quiet inquiry, “Do you believe that the culprit behind this mischief could originate from the royal court?”
“Both the Palace and the Imperial Cabinet have had their eyes on me, haven’t
they?” Rong Hongxue turned his head and looked at the purple-haired,
purple-eyed adjutant with concern. “This isn’t a good sign, Yista.”
At this moment, his personal light brain suddenly rang. Rong Hongxue
lowered his eyes, and a call screen popped up in front of him.
Who would give him a private video call during working hours in the dead of
night?
—Or rather, who would dare to recklessly disturb someone during work hours
in the dead of night?
Yista was extremely surprised, and even the higher-ranked fleet officials
who had been working busily in the control room had subconsciously stopped
what they were doing.
Yi Zhen lazily raised his hand and greeted him with interest.
“Hi![e/n: pinyin: hai!]”
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