Immortal Martial Academy - Chapter 31
Lan Haoyue employed numerous methods but failed to uncover any information about Wu Xianyao. In the entire Great Xia, only members of the Imperial Family had privileged access.
This privilege could be used only once by each member, so Lan Haoyue shifted his approach and began investigating other individuals at the academy instead.
As various profiles appeared before him, he quickly zeroed in on Xia Jiufeng.
The surname “Xia” was exclusive to the imperial lineage in Great Xia, impossible for others to possess. Further examination revealed that the Ninth Princess was currently enrolled at the Immortal Martial Academy.
Moreover, next year marked the time for her arranged marriage. Since no one else’s records were sealed except for the Headmaster’s, it became evident that Wu Xianyao must be the intended husband of the Ninth Princess.
Her privilege had locked his information, making it inaccessible to anyone.
Only the Three Great Elders of Congress or unanimous agreement from the Ten Great Generals could bypass this restriction. Mobilizing the Ten Great Generals wouldn’t be difficult, but if Wu Xianyao held sensitive secrets, exposing them could harm him, potentially alerting the Alien Race – a risk not worth taking. It would also exhaust valuable personal connections unnecessarily.
Lan Haoyue decided to abandon this line of inquiry and opted to discover more gradually on his own.
On the scarlet plains, six figures stood approximately 500 meters away, observing a group of xenobeasts. Although not numerous, with only five, each possessed imposingly large bodies.
“Watch out for the blood crocodiles’ bite force; it’s at least three tons,” Chen Beixuan cautioned steadily. “We may be capable, but we must remain cautious to avoid any unexpected setbacks.”
From the other side, Li Junlin suggested, “Captain, should we attack now? They’re preoccupied while feeding, making them vulnerable.”
“No, when xenobeasts feed, they’re actually most alert. If we engage now, they’ll focus their attacks on one target, and none of us can withstand that onslaught. Let’s wait.”
Chen Beixuan was exceptionally cautious, striving to avoid any mistakes, knowing well that the cost of error could be his teammates’ lives. He preferred taking no action than risking such consequences.
After about half an hour, the blood crocodiles finished feeding, and three of them began wandering nearby.
This presented an opportunity; two were still feeding, leaving three unoccupied, making coordinated simultaneous attacks impossible.
“Junlin, you and I will target the feeding blood crocodiles. Linyang, Linyue, Yucai, and Xian’er, you four take on the remaining three. Remember, use your full strength.”
As soon as their roles were assigned, the six team members sprang into action. Nearly all strikes proved fatal at once. Chen Beixuan stood atop one blood crocodile, noting its height of at least two meters.
“How’s the situation? Any injuries?” Chen Beixuan asked through the communication device.
“All three blood crocodiles have been killed; Xian’er is finishing them off now,” Linyang’s voice responded.
Li Junlin approached Chen Beixuan, “We should collect these corpses for merit points. It’ll serve as additional income.”
“Let’s gather them up!” Chen Beixuan agreed without hesitation. The academy deducts points based on mission completion, but allowing students to keep trophies and rewards is an unspoken agreement.
Wu Xianyao observed from above, feeling quite pleased. Caution was indeed necessary, with Li Junlin embodying adventurous spirit while Chen Beixuan represented steady vigilance – they complemented each other perfectly.
Wu Xianyao glanced between the distant scene and Chen Beixuan’s group, noting, “It seems an encounter battle is imminent.”
The Divine Wind Squad was desperately fleeing after encountering a Flame Rat scout squad earlier. They failed to eliminate all scouts, letting one escape.
Unbeknownst to them, this lone survivor had summoned four more scout squads in pursuit.
It was well-known that Flame Rat scout squads consist of three members each; thus, four squads meant twelve Flame Rat aliens. Moreover, with their scarlet fur, they had a natural advantage for concealment on the blood-red plains.
The twelve Flame Rat aliens were relentlessly pursuing the six-member Divine Wind Squad, who appeared desperate and scattered in their flight.
As Chen Beixuan’s group approached, he promptly alerted his team, “Stay vigilant, something is coming.”
They swiftly spread out defensively. Jiu Xian’er peeked from behind a crimson rock, observing ahead, “It’s an Alien scout squad chasing six individuals.”
“Prepare for battle! Ready crossbows – execute three rounds of volleys, switch targets after each hit. Engage at a hundred meters range.”
With twelve blood-colored targets in sight, the six cadets’ eyes ignited with determination. This was their first encounter with the Alien Race, yet instead of fear, there was a hint of excitement.
At one hundred fifty meters, then one hundred twenty meters, closing to one hundred meters, the crossbow bolts flew in rapid succession, felling all twelve Flame Rat aliens sequentially.
Seeing the fallen enemies, the six members of the Divine Wind Squad sighed in relief, collapsing onto the ground.
Over the public channel, Chen Beixuan’s voice echoed, “Don’t relax yet. Go finish them off to ensure no survivors.”
The six members of the Divine Wind Squad promptly rose, unsheathed their sabers, and cautiously delivered finishing blows to ensure no survivors. It was a cardinal rule on the battlefield: never relax until you’re certain all enemies are truly dead; otherwise, retaliation could easily cost lives – lessons learned by frontline warriors.
Once the squad finished dispatching the fallen aliens, their Captain approached Chen Beixuan, “I’m Ami, Captain of the Divine Wind Squad. Thank you for your assistance this time.” She extended her hand.
Her blue armored helmet vanished, revealing striking blue eyes and golden hair. Chen Beixuan also removed his helmet, shook hands with Ami, and said, “As fellow citizens of Great Xia, it’s our duty. Let’s move quickly; this place isn’t safe.”
The twelve-person group swiftly headed towards the Fortress.
People like Ami, with blue eyes and blonde hair, have another name in Great Xia: “Remnants!”
Indeed, they were those who survived from nations annihilated by the Alien Races. The Great Xia took them in, referring to these individuals as Remnants.
Of course, there are other remnants too, but please note that Great Xia only accepts those whose character aligns with its values; any lacking in moral integrity would not be welcomed.
A thousand years ago, the remnants staged a rebellion led by people from several small nations, protesting against Great Xia’s governance, claiming discrimination.
Naturally, the three elders of Great Xia did not hesitate; they mobilized the military to expel these individuals. Ultimately, many became prey for Xenobeasts.
Similarly, Great Xia implemented policies regarding remnant survivors: They were barred from positions of power and could only engage in commerce, labor, or agriculture. Even if someone was gifted, their role would be limited to that of a warrior. Seeking advancement? Sorry, get lost! Great Xia maintained strict exclusionary measures.
Upon reaching the Fortress, feeling temporarily safe, Ami once again expressed her gratitude to Chen Beixuan and his team.
After Ami left, Jiu Xian’er removed her helmet and remarked, “Some remnants are actually quite decent.” As she spoke, she took out a meat snack and began munching, her cheeks puffing with delight.
“It’s not as simple as that,” Linyue countered, removing her helmet. “During the rebellion, I heard many people died. If it weren’t for the iron-fisted actions of the three elders, some of them might still be causing trouble in Great Xia now.”
“They’re traitors, plain and simple. Those working behind enemy lines for the Alien Race are all remnants with deeply ingrained treachery. In my opinion, the elders should have executed them outright, preventing any future issues,” Linyang chimed in, also removing his helmet, clearly indignant.
Lan Yuecai and Li Junlin remained silent. The issue of remnants had its pros and cons; the three elders chose to keep the virtuous ones while expelling the corrupt, allowing them to wreak havoc on the Alien Race instead.
Over a thousand years, these remnants failed to even develop armor technology. Had they succeeded, the Alien Race would have already equipped themselves with it.
From this perspective, the foresight of Great Xia’s three elders was commendable.
Noticing that it was already noon, Chen Beixuan asked, “How is everyone feeling?”
If his team members were up for it, Chen Beixuan planned to undertake another mission.