Master of Nine Stars

Pillowed by wind, blanketed by snow, stood the majestic Hundred Corps Pass.

The wind and snow were particularly heavy today. The city wall ran from east to west, stretching for thousands of miles, far beyond what the eye could see.

For personal reasons, Rong Taotao had been to Hundred Corps Pass a few more times than the other Little Souls. But even after standing before this towering, majestic pass on several occasions, the awe he felt was just as strong as ever.

’No matter what happens in the future, I hope she can always stand firm, always remain here.’

For some reason, Rong Taotao had begun to think of Hundred Corps Pass with the pronoun ”she.”

”Go get changed. We’ll gather at the North Gate in half an hour. While I’m gone, follow the orders of the three teachers,” Yang Chunxi said, then gestured to Rong Taotao and Gao Lingwei. ”You two, with me.”

”Yes, ma’am.”

”Yes, ma’am...”

As the group entered Hundred Corps Pass, they split in two. The main party went to the Social Practitioner dormitories, while Yang Chunxi led Rong Taotao and Gao Lingwei eastward.

Riding along the quaint, snowy street, Rong Taotao watched the snowflakes drift down. A wave of emotion washed over him as he gazed at the quiet, ancient town.

Whenever the fierce winds of the Outer Region howled like banshees and whipped up the snow, it was a picture of tranquility within the city. The high walls sheltered everyone from the wind and snow, providing an immense sense of security.

”Wei.”

”Hm?”

”We’re official members now,” Rong Taotao whispered. He was riding on Hu Bugui, his forehead resting against Gao Lingwei’s back. ”The squad is distributing the Beast Head Masks internally. There’s a dog one and a pig one. Which do you want?”

”Either is fine. I’ll take whatever’s left,” Gao Lingwei said softly, letting Rong Taotao choose first.

”Hmm...” Rong Taotao pondered for a moment. He remembered Fu Tiance had offered him the pig mask on more than one occasion. Fu Tiance was a military commander, after all. There was no need for Rong Taotao to embarrass him over something so trivial.

He said, ”Captain Fu has been insisting I take the pig one, so I’ll take it.”

The trio arrived at a small, two-story building. After a brief exchange with the on-duty sentry, they were quickly led to the second floor.

”Reporting!” the soldier yelled at an office door. ”They’re here.”

”Come in.” As Fu Tiance’s voice rang out, Yang Chunxi pushed open the office door and immediately saw Rong Yang on the visitors’ sofa, sitting perfectly upright with his back ramrod straight.

”Get up. Greet your guests,” Fu Tiance said from behind his desk, chiding him with a smile.

Rong Yang immediately stood up and looked toward the doorway.

That single glance was all it took...

In an instant, Yang Chunxi’s eyes turned red.

In truth, when Rong Taotao had taken control of Rong Yang’s body to fight, Yang Chunxi had been right there beside him, closely monitoring the battle.

Afterward, she had stayed by Rong Taotao’s side until he woke up and gave Fu Tiance a detailed report, and Yang Chunxi had heard it all.

In all her past experiences, Yang Chunxi had never shown the slightest hint of vulnerability. The only remotely unusual thing she did was gently kiss Rong Taotao on the head after he woke up. And that was all.

But now, seeing Rong Yang with her own eyes, it seemed she couldn’t hold back her emotions any longer...

Couldn’t hold them back?

Actually... no. Her eyes were merely red. Then, a smile bloomed on her face as she said softly, ”You’re alive.”

With his captain right there, and in a professional setting, Rong Yang couldn’t say much. He simply offered an apologetic smile.

Thanks to the Medical Soul Skills possessed by Soul Martial Artists, Rong Yang’s recovery had been relatively fast. However, he had lost a great deal of weight and his complexion was still pale. He clearly needed more time to recuperate.

After all, this was a man who’d been snatched from the jaws of death. Expecting him to be back to his old energetic self in just a few days was asking too much.

The Soul Martial World did indeed have Medical Soul Skills, but none were powerful enough to bring the dead back to life or instantly heal fatal wounds.

It wasn’t just Yang Chunxi; even Rong Taotao’s heart ached for him. Rong Yang hadn’t been heavyset to begin with, and now that he’d lost so much weight, he was almost unrecognizable.

”Shouldn’t you be resting a few more days? You’re already back at work?” Rong Taotao asked.

Hearing Rong Taotao’s question, Rong Yang finally tore his gaze away from Yang Chunxi and turned to his brother. A weary smile touched his lips.

Rong Yang extended his clenched fist toward Rong Taotao.

But as he held out his fist, his eyes inadvertently swept over Gao Lingwei, who was standing beside Rong Taotao...

Instantly, Rong Yang’s smile grew strained, and he hurriedly looked away.

Gao Lingwei’s eyes narrowed slightly, a clear sign she knew something was wrong. The name ”Yang” that was on the tip of her tongue died in her throat as Rong Yang hastily averted his gaze.

The interaction was rather conspicuous, and Gao Lingwei was taken aback.

You’re about to greet someone. You’ve already made eye contact, but before you can speak, they look away...

Rong Yang was a battle-hardened veteran who had served for many years. With his naturally calm and resolute personality, it was impossible that he was afraid of Gao Lingwei. He was afraid of his own reaction.

Everyone understands the logic, of course.

But Gao Lingshi had nearly killed Rong Yang. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say he had succeeded.

It was Rong Taotao who had forcibly snatched Rong Yang from the jaws of death, right from Gao Lingshi’s grasp.