Chapter 37: Murong

A raging fire of anger surged within Zhou Yi, yet he did not dare utter a word, still forcing a smile on his face.

“Hm?” At that moment, Luo Yuxin suddenly noticed the throwing dart on the ground and exclaimed in surprise, “This thing... Zhang Jinyi? He’s here too?”

“Yes!” Zhou Yi’s eyes lit up, and he replied calmly, “He’s around here.”

Luo Yuxin said with interest, “Zhang Jinyi, are you there? Come out!”

After a moment of silence, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was, indeed, Zhang Jinyi.

He was a swift-type warrior, possessing even greater speed than the demon monkeys. Thus, he always remained in the trees.

“Zhang Jinyi!” Before Luo Yuxin could speak, Zhou Yi could no longer restrain himself and roared. He glared fiercely at Zhang Jinyi, gritting his teeth, “You’ve ambushed me multiple times, almost got me surrounded and killed by those demon monkeys—I won’t forget this. When we’re out of here, I’ll settle the score with you.”

“What’s the use of shouting so loudly?” Zhang Jinyi replied with disdain, looking at Zhou Yi coldly, “No need to wait. Let’s settle this here and now in the secret realm. What do you say?”

“Hmph.” Zhou Yi snorted coldly. “I’m waiting for the third tidal mutation. I have no time for you.”

Luo Yuxin listened with amusement at first, but Zhou Yi’s quick surrender soon bored him. This was precisely why he disliked Zhou Yi. Despite his talent and noble birth, he was far too fond of self-preservation. If he met someone of equal strength, he backed down immediately; if the opponent was stronger, he ran as far as possible. He had no courage whatsoever. Truly unworthy of being called a man.

“That’s enough,” Luo Yuxin said impatiently. “Take care of these demon monkeys first. Your personal feud can be settled whenever you like—it’s none of my concern.”

“Fine,” the two replied in unison. With the three joining forces, especially with Luo Yuxin’s overwhelming might, eliminating the demon monkeys was no difficult task. It was a great opportunity to harvest spiritual energy.

...

“Almost all gathered now!” At this moment, in the City Lord’s mansion of Flower City, everyone watched the surveillance feed from the demon monkey zone. Luo Yuxin, Zhou Yi, Zhang Jinyi, as well as Fang Qingyun and Murong—these were the five most outstanding young talents in Aoki District for this year’s college entrance trials. Another one was too far away to make it in time.

Among them, Zhou Yi and Fang Qingyun were candidates from Flower City itself. Of the top six, Flower City boasted two. There were seven major cities in Aoki District, and Flower City ranked only fifth overall.

A subtle smile lifted the City Lord’s lips. “These youngsters are about to meet. I don’t care about the others, but you two must hold out to the end.” These two were now his most precious assets.

Their performance would determine how much reward he—and Flower City—would receive from above. In a sense, it was a matter of pride for the city as well. He was certain that many upper-echelon figures from Aoki District were keeping a close eye on these youths. This was customary; every year, the best always attracted attention.

But...

Watching Fang Qingyun’s feed, the City Lord grew a little anxious. What on earth are you doing? Don’t you know how to be gentler with a girl? Or is this young lady not beautiful enough for you? Judging by the direction Fang Qingyun was heading, he was about to run into Zhou Yi and the others. Would there be trouble if they met in this state? Women truly are the source of chaos! Especially since Fang Qingyun’s good friend, Zhao Junhong, seemed to be in that area too.

...

With a panicked screech, the demon monkeys scattered in all directions.

“Come on, you fiendish vermin!” Luo Yuxin laughed maniacally.

The heavy machine gun continued to spit fire, mowing down one demon monkey after another. Those that tried to rush forward were blocked by Zhang Jinyi and Zhou Yi. As long as the two held the line briefly, Luo Yuxin would swivel the gun and unleash a deadly salvo. Any that slipped through, he dealt with by sheer brute force—swinging the machine gun like a club and smashing down with devastating strength. The demon monkeys were reduced to pulp on the spot.

At last, the remaining demon monkeys could resist no longer and fled. Only when all had vanished from sight did Luo Yuxin finally lower the machine gun. In a flash of light, streams of spiritual energy flew toward the three.

All three grunted, their bodies trembling slightly from the influx. Naturally, Luo Yuxin took the lion’s share, followed by Zhou Yi, while Zhang Jinyi, whose specialty was speed, received the least.

“Whew!” Luo Yuxin, recovering, exhaled deeply and laughed, “That was exhilarating!”

He, too, was of noble birth and well understood that the more spiritual energy one gathered at this stage, the stronger one would become upon breaking through to the martial artist level in the future.

Zhou Yi and Zhang Jinyi also looked delighted; clearly, they were satisfied with the gains from this battle.

Especially...

Zhou Yi cast a glance at Luo Yuxin, a trace of envy in his eyes. This naturally gifted powerhouse had an innate advantage against the pressures of the secret realm. Zhou Yi recalled the scene just now: bullets flying everywhere, and the brutal spectacle of Luo Yuxin smashing demon monkeys to death.

A chill ran through Zhou Yi’s heart. Could this monster’s spiritual energy have already surpassed forty?

Zhou Yi’s own spiritual energy had also improved, now reaching thirty-four. He was merely waiting for the final tidal mutation. He intended to use it to boost his spiritual energy, hoping to reach fifty.

He still held a secret weapon in reserve—a rare and valuable treasure his family had acquired at great cost to enhance spiritual energy. As long as he surpassed fifty, the long-awaited family plan could finally be realized. Luo Yuxin? Fang Qingyun? Even Zhang Jinyi? In the face of such a plan, what did they matter?

Zhang Jinyi...

Lost in his thoughts, Zhou Yi suddenly noticed Zhang Jinyi staring at him with an odd expression. Frowning, Zhou Yi demanded coldly, “Zhang Jinyi, what do you want?”

“Nothing.”

“Then why are you staring at me?” Zhou Yi snapped, “I’m warning you, ever since the demon monkeys attacked, you’ve tried to sabotage me several times. Do you really think I have no temper?”

“So what if I have?” Zhang Jinyi replied icily. “If you’re unhappy, here’s your chance—let’s settle this right now.”

“You...” Zhou Yi was furious. He wanted to conserve his strength for the third tidal mutation—how could he waste it fighting Zhang Jinyi? Besides, Zhang Jinyi also came from a noble family, and they surely provided him with various life-saving items. Fighting him now was too risky. Even if Zhou Yi won, the cost would be too great.

Luo Yuxin watched the pair with interest. Soon, a sneer curled his lips. “Enough, Zhang Jinyi. Of all people, why challenge such a coward? Even if you gave him the courage of all the demon monkeys, he wouldn’t dare fight you!”

Zhou Yi’s face turned ashen. He replied coldly, “Fine. Once we’re out and have become martial artists, I’ll be sure to learn your skills, Zhang Jinyi.”

Zhang Jinyi gave a dismissive laugh, his expression full of contempt.

“Why?” Zhou Yi finally lost his patience, gritting his teeth. “Zhang Jinyi, why are you targeting me?”

“There’s no harm in telling you.” Zhang Jinyi said calmly, “Just remember, stay away from Murong in the future.”

“Murong?” Zhou Yi and Luo Yuxin were both startled, then suddenly understood. Zhang Jinyi had his eye on Murong. But Murong and Zhou Yi had some history. Strictly speaking, their families had once joked about arranging a marriage between them. Though nothing further was said in recent years, Zhou Yi still had intentions toward Murong.

Thinking of that woman, even Luo Yuxin felt a surge of heat in his chest. Murong was truly beautiful, and her strength was not to be underestimated.