Let’s set aside the buzz online around Ruan Shu for now, as it was quickly overshadowed by another major event.
The much-anticipated inter-college competition was about to begin.
There are numerous planets across the universe, and some of them are perilous, unsuitable for habitation. These dangerous places are often cleared out to serve as trial grounds for competitions.
This time, the chosen location was Planet F-997. The environment here is unpredictable, and as it was once invaded by insectoid species, there may still be some lower-tier insectoids lingering around. It’s the perfect place for students to hone their skills.
Additionally, the native creatures on this planet are primarily low-level alien beasts and mutated plants.
These mutated plants and alien beasts are also classified according to their Jingshen levels. The highest level on this planet is A-level. Some students possess S-level Jingshen; although their combat experience is limited, if they work together, they should be able to handle A-level local creatures.
The schools collaborated with the military to set up signal flags across different terrains on this planet. Each color represents a different score, and students’ identity badges can be snatched by others, with each badge adding a point.
Therefore, students participating in the trials not only have to fight the native creatures on the planet but also keep an eye out for their peers.
As the broadcast began, Ruan Shu was watching from home, her goal clearly set on locating her third brother.
All students were randomly dropped at various locations on the planet, but Ruan Shu quickly found her third brother on the stream. Even though he wore the same outfit as the other students, he stood out in her eyes.
Her brother was good-looking, taller than the others, with an air about him that set him apart. Even his rebellious demeanor exuded a unique charm in Shu’s eyes.
Unfortunately, Ruan Shu could only gaze admiringly at her third brother by herself, with her sole confidante being the robot, Xiaomi.
“My third brother is really way more handsome than the others. No wonder he’s the campus heartthrob. Let me tell you, Xiaomi, my third brother is amazing. The last time I visited his school, I saw him beating upperclassmen from higher grades. Lots of people at school look up to him…”
Unbothered by whether Xiaomi could understand or respond, Ruan Shu continued her enthusiastic commentary.
In the broadcast room…
Since the drops were random, no one knew if their nearest neighbor was friend or foe, so everyone concealed their location.
Ruan Shu saw her third brother’s unfortunate situation. He had been dropped into the territory of a herd of Flame Boars and, as luck would have it, had landed directly on top of a young Flame Boar.
It’s common knowledge in the animal kingdom that the most dangerous creature to provoke is a mother with young.
Ruan Ling’an’s luck was truly bad. Right from the start, he found himself facing off with an enraged mother Flame Boar. It let out a furious roar, its thick skin glowing red, as if lava flowed across its surface.
The massive creature, resembling a small mountain, charged toward Ruan Ling’an.
Watching, Ruan Shu’s heart clenched with worry, seemingly more anxious than Ruan Ling’an himself, who was actually facing the danger.
“Be careful, brother!”
But clearly, while a mother boar with young is a formidable opponent, Ruan Ling’an was no easy target either.
He drew the dagger strapped to his leg and faced off against the Flame Boar head-on.
The Flame Boar’s skin was exceptionally tough, with long, sharp tusks for weapons. Its body heat could even melt certain materials, scalding human skin. Its eyes were its only weak point.
Ruan Ling’an was well aware of this, skillfully dodging the boar’s charges while relentlessly aiming his dagger at its eyes.
After a few minutes of maneuvering, Ruan Ling’an drove his dagger into the Flame Boar’s eye, channeling his mental energy to pierce directly into its brain.
The boar, as massive as a small mountain, collapsed, while Ruan Ling’an merely caught his breath.
As the Flame Boar lay on the ground, its lava-like skin slowly began to cool. Skillfully, Ruan Ling’an collected the boar’s tusks and any edible meat he could find.
On the trial planet, students were only allowed two sets of clothing and a dagger. Everything else had to be procured on-site.
The live feed cut away just after Ruan Ling’an secured his resources, camouflaged himself, and hid in a tree, moving on to other students.
Ruan Shu finally unclenched her fists, relieved her brother was safe, her delicate face now tinged with pride. She realized her worry had been unnecessary—her third brother was so skilled; how could anything go wrong?
She turned her attention to the live chat, which was mostly filled with admiration for her brother, with some viewers analyzing his combat techniques.
Even if she didn’t fully understand the analysis, it didn’t stop her from feeling proud, her smile showing her neat little teeth.
The feed couldn’t stay solely on Ruan Ling’an, as there were only so many cameras, and coverage had to be shared among the students.
Later, as she watched, Ruan Shu balanced a book on her lap, flipping through it to find information on the various mutated plants and beasts appearing in the broadcast. By the end, she felt as if she’d learned quite a bit.
Meanwhile, at the main planetary port…
A young man in a tan trench coat, cap brim pulled low, strolled out of the spaceport with a bag in hand.
Glancing at a large screen in the spaceport, he saw the live stream where Ruan Ling’an was bloodied from killing a beast, his eyes alight with a fierce excitement and aggression—a true vision of a young battle god.
The surrounding crowd was abuzz with admiration, voices filled with respect.
This was the Star Beast Empire, where strength commanded respect. Even a student, if powerful enough, earned esteem.
The young man sneered, “After all these years, he hasn’t improved at all. Still as savage as ever.”
His tone was mild but tinged with disdain, clearly disapproving of such a brutal approach to hunting.
This man was none other than Ruan Xinglan. After Ruan Fengsi placed a bounty on him, his life in the Mechanical Sector had become especially difficult. Those mercenaries had excellent reconnaissance skills. Though he could fend them off, being constantly harassed had become tiresome, so he decided to return.
His first order of business? Deliver a little gift to his dear big brother.
With his hat brim still low, Ruan Xinglan hailed a ride to Fengxin Corporation.
Seated in the car, he opened the star network and saw a recent post by his biological father. His eyes narrowed slightly, and the seemingly mild, affable man wore an amused smile.
Things were turning out more interesting than he’d imagined—his newfound little sister appeared to be no ordinary girl. She’d managed to win the favor and protection of his cold-hearted father and the maniac Ruan Fengsi. This little one had something special.
When he arrived at Fengxin Corporation, Ruan Xinglan casually approached the front desk, confirmed his identity, and headed upstairs with his briefcase. His destination: Ruan Fengsi’s office floor.