Chapter Twenty-Seven: Between Hearts

Thank you to Sword Immortal, Heart vs YUN, Walking Alone, Sunset of the Falling Moon, Wind Seeks Love, and Book Friend 140624133721251 for your generous rewards. My deepest gratitude to all of you—once again, thank you.

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Fuxiang City, inside a certain villa.

Late at night, a young man with exceptionally long silver hair walked slowly through the house. His expression was slightly sinister, at odds with the elegant surroundings.

Tomorrow would be the decisive battle between life and death. Even he could not remain perfectly calm.

Levin understood his own strength. He was, without doubt, superior to Xia Yan; yet he felt a restless unease...

Levin ascended to the second floor. The rhythm of his footsteps was clear, the warm golden light shining upon him. He could not maintain his usual composure. Tonight, he was not the same as before.

Afraid?

Yet, he found no reason for fear. The outcome of tomorrow’s battle was inevitable: Xia Yan would die by his hand.

There could be no exceptions!

There were no exceptions!

His strength far surpassed Xia Yan’s—no one knew by how much.

Life and death had already been decided before the battle began.

On the second floor, Director Aiyou of the Institution looked somewhat drowsy, curled up on the sofa. There was no sound from the television, only the steady glow of lamplight. She seemed to be pondering something, her expression both joyful and troubled.

“Director, do you know if Gu Yue’er’s second ability has been awakened?” Levin was the first to speak. Director Aiyou had summoned him here tonight, saying there was an important matter to discuss.

“No, her emotions are very stable…” Director Aiyou’s expression grew dark. “It’s all Darren’s fault—losing that match only made her resolve stronger.”

“Should we torment her a bit?” Levin’s eyes glinted with cruelty and violence. As long as it provoked her, he didn’t mind doing something to this girl.

“There’s no need. Ordinary stimulation is useless for developing a second ability.” Director Aiyou shook her head. “Only an overwhelming mental shock can trigger her awakening.”

“What should I do?” Levin asked.

“Tomorrow, kill Xia Yan. Kill him mercilessly, leave nothing of his body, expose his agony to the world.” Director Aiyou spoke coldly. “I will make Gu Yue’er witness everything. Her second ability will surely awaken.”

“Understood. I’ll do it.” Levin nodded.

“Go see Gu Yue’er. Use tomorrow’s duel to provoke her, drive her into despair…” Director Aiyou’s mouth curled in mockery.

“Understood.” Levin chuckled coldly; he was adept at such things.

……

Second floor, bedroom—Gu Yue’er’s room. She sat on her bed, knees drawn up, arms wrapped around herself, her gaze pitiable, filled with sorrow and pain...

No one loses their freedom and remains calm. No one faces uncertain life and death with indifference; at least, Gu Yue’er was not such a person.

Warm lamplight cast on her face, making her exquisite features even more forlorn. She gritted her teeth, silently cheering for Xia Yan.

If Gu Yue’er were to lose, if she were to die, then at least Xia Yan would live. He was her hope—the bright moon illuminating her night sky.

A smile on her face, gazing at the sky, overlooking the earth, no more pretense or deceit—such was Xia Yan’s gift to her, and she would cherish it, gathering courage.

Director Aiyou, Levin—Gu Yue’er would never compromise, never…

“Miss Gu Yue’er…” Levin knocked on the door. Without waiting for a reply, he pushed it open and entered.

Gu Yue’er’s lovely face was icy. The faint smile was gone, replaced by endless disgust. “Do you have something to say?”

If… she had power, she would never forgive such a person. He was a calamity upon this world, bringing misfortune to all.

Unfortunately, Gu Yue’er clenched her fists, but felt powerless. She was an ordinary girl, and her abilities were unrelated to combat.

“You must feel aggrieved, Miss Gu Yue’er.” Levin smiled. “Without combat ability, no matter how high your brain development, you’re no different from an ordinary person…”

“What are you getting at?” Gu Yue’er was unimpressed, her voice colder still.

“Miss Gu Yue’er, imagine if you could awaken your second ability—maybe you could fight, maybe you could protect your companions.” Levin explained, “Now, you’re only a step away. Just a little effort, and you could awaken it.”

“I will never do as you wish. I will not awaken my second ability.” Gu Yue’er gritted her teeth, glaring at Levin.

“In that case, there’s nothing to be done…” Levin sighed. “I thought we could discuss this, and you would understand me… but since you refuse, tomorrow’s duel—I will kill Xia Yan.”

“Duel?” Gu Yue’er’s eyes flickered, but she showed little fear. No matter what, she believed in Xia Yan.

“Yes. Tomorrow, I will fight Xia Yan in a duel to the death, in front of everyone. You know Xia Yan is just trash—how could he possibly be my opponent!” Levin boasted. “If you cooperate and awaken your second ability, I might spare his life.”

“Get out.” Gu Yue’er said the single word that expressed her resolve.

Levin’s face grew menacing. “Gu Yue’er, do you not know what’s good for you?”

“I told you to get out.” Gu Yue’er was fearless. “Xia Yan will not lose, and certainly not to someone like you. If you are prepared, then tomorrow you’d better wash your neck and wait for him to kill you!”

“You…” Levin roared. Gu Yue’er seemed to have spoken the very words that haunted his uneasy heart!

“Levin, I told you to leave!” Gu Yue’er repeated.

Levin truly wanted to tear Gu Yue’er to shreds, but dared not—this was the director’s order. He could only endure.

“Tomorrow, I’ll make you see Xia Yan die at my hands, and then we’ll see if you still talk to me like this.” Levin gritted his teeth. “Gu Yue’er, you’re just an experiment. If you become useless, I will kill you—without fail.”

“Leave!” Gu Yue’er’s words remained brief and sharp.

In the pitch-black night, Gu Yue’er clenched her fists, her fearless face turned to the window. Bright moonlight illuminated the earth, stars scattered across the sky!

Xia Yan will win. He must win.

……

At the Ability Training Institute, two elegantly dressed men and women walked together. Their refined demeanor and striking appearance drew many glances from members.

Both were part of the institution’s management. Their relationship was intimate, yet not as lovers or siblings.

Close, but neither lovers nor siblings, and always together—there was only one possibility left: they were of the same race…

Few knew this secret: Tan Jing and Chang Duosu were both of the Winged race. The two were discussing an event—the upcoming duel between Xia Yan and Levin.

“Tan Jing, who do you think will win tomorrow’s duel?” Chang Duosu was curious.

Tan Jing shook his head. “No need to think. That transfer student will lose without doubt; he’s as good as dead.”

“How so?” Chang Duosu frowned.

“As management members, we know these things.” Tan Jing spoke disdainfully. “The transfer student is indeed strong, ranked eleventh in the institution, but still far below us. Levin, the Demon, is stronger than both of us—at least top five in the rankings.”

Ordinary members might not know the strength of management, but they themselves understood each other well.

The gap between management and ordinary members was vast! Facing the likes of Dongfang Hui, Mei Mi, they could win easily.

Xia Yan was talented, but defeating the likes of them was nearly impossible. Let alone beating Levin!

“Challenge if you wish, but you can always admit defeat.” Tan Jing shook his head. “But Xia Yan is foolish—he insisted on a duel to the death. That seals his fate.”

“There’s still a glimmer of hope… though I don’t think it’s much.” Chang Duosu smiled, lips pursed. “Xia Yan’s talent is indeed remarkable. With a few more years, he could reach management level—but he’s too reckless.”

“No matter how talented, if he’s killed, it’s meaningless.” Tan Jing shook his head. “Xia Yan won’t survive today.”

“Yes, it’s a pity, but Xia Yan isn’t one of us Winged, so if he dies, he dies.” Chang Duosu was unconcerned. “I suppose the most heartbroken will be Gong Kui—that woman is human!”

“Heh…”

Not only them; nearly all management, all mentors, even the majority of members, believed Xia Yan was doomed.

Even if you’re strong, you barely match the weakest of management. Why challenge anyone, let alone Levin?

Challenging Levin is one thing, but a duel to the death?

If you don’t die, who will?

Xia Yan may be a genius, but a dead genius is not a genius—just a fallen gravestone, his name forgotten, his existence fading from memory. In a few years, no one will remember him.

Pitiful human, reckless fool!

“The match is about to begin. Will you go watch?” Chang Duosu smiled.

“No, nothing worth seeing.” Tan Jing dismissed it. “A match where the outcome is decided before it starts—there’s no point.”

“Then I’ll go. I think Xia Yan still has hope!” Chang Duosu made a gesture with thumb and forefinger, leaving a two-centimeter gap. “About this much hope!”

“No hope. A fight ending in ten seconds—sit down, then immediately stand up. A dull farce.” Tan Jing sneered. “If it were a memorial service, I’d stay longer, but now, no need.”

“Hee!” Chang Duosu laughed and strode toward the arena, eager to witness a dying human’s final struggle—she found it amusing.

……

Ability Training Institute, inside the arena.

This time, the arena was not open to the public; only those from the institution—many members and tutors—were present.

Many members pitied Xia Yan’s imminent death, but were also curious. After all, this level of strength was akin to management, far beyond their reach.

Countless members watched, their gazes filled with pity and sympathy.

“What a shame, Xia Yan…”

“Xia Yan is about to be killed…”

“I admire him so much…”

“Why is he so foolish!”

“If he waited a few more years, he could have reached management’s level.”

“He wants to die; no one can stop him!”

“Pitiful guy—his life is counting down, and he doesn’t even realize!”

“If he kneels and begs for mercy, would Levin spare him?”

“Levin has his pride; he wouldn’t kill someone who kneels and begs. Maybe.”

“Would Xia Yan do that?”

“I bet not!”

“He definitely won’t—he’s already drawn his weapon.”

“And his eyes—that look is do-or-die!”

“Come on, even if hope is less than a shred…”

“Xia Yan…”

No one believed Xia Yan could win. This was a duel to the death; its symbol was Xia Yan’s fall. Next year on this day would be his memorial.

But only one, her eyes full of hope and resolve—was Tao Lu.

Tao Lu’s heart twisted; despair and hope coexisted. Her trembling gaze was so firm—two extremes within her, believing in Xia Yan yet sensing the yawning chasm before him!

A hopeless battle, yet hope remained…

It was a strange pain and fear. If Xia Yan died, what would she do?

She realized how lost, how helpless she felt!

What was this feeling?

She stretched out her hand, gazing at her palm in confusion!

Was this love?

When did her heart become so completely captive…

Just a little more, only a little more…