Volume One, Chapter 19: Clearing the Battlefield
“Hiss…”
The sharp pain caused Lu Jing to furrow his brows involuntarily. He slowly opened his eyes, and the pure white ceiling instantly caught him off guard.
After a moment, he gradually regained consciousness.
Qiqi…
He was about to move when he realized his hand was being held.
Looking down, he saw a delicate, exquisite little face turned toward him. Beneath gently arched brows, her eyes were tightly closed, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, and her thin red lips parted softly.
His hand was firmly grasped.
Lu Jing gazed at her quietly. A trace of a smile appeared in his phoenix-like eyes, radiating a tenderness even he hadn’t noticed in himself before.
Not wanting to disturb her peaceful sleep, Lu Jing silently sat up straight.
This battle had been arduous, but the gains were considerable.
He summoned his character status screen again.
Lu Jing
Status: Mildly injured (due to absorbing the bloodline power of various demon beasts, his physical strength has greatly increased.)
(Pseudo-mortal body, the maximum values increase with the enhancement of abilities.)
Strength: 111 (111/300)
Spirit: 88 (88/220)
Agility: 99 (99/200)
Constitution: 66 (66/230)
Perception: 199 (199/220)
Wisdom: 120/160
Vitality: 99/180
Innate Skills: Spirit Eye, Beast Energy Conversion, Wind Blade (Wolf Demon’s innate skill), Thunder Shield (Eight Direction Thunder Rock Snake’s innate skill), Shape-shifting (Spirit Bright Stone Ape’s innate skill).
Level: Second Awakening, Stage 4.
Although his level had only increased by two stages, his maximum potential was remarkably high, meaning his strength at the second awakening surpassed that of many at the third awakening.
However, this also meant he needed more spiritual power to level up.
None of these things were Lu Jing’s current concern; he didn’t even have time to focus on leveling.
His full attention was on the newly acquired innate skill, “Shape-shifting.”
As the name suggests, it allowed transformation into various forms, and since that ape beast could speak human language, it possessed wisdom comparable to humans.
What form did it transform into?
There was only one answer — human form.
In other words, there were Spirit Bright Stone Apes among the human race.
Lu Jing’s mouth fell open, but no sound came out. Shock and disbelief intertwined on his face, his whole body frozen as if struck by lightning.
There were demon beasts among humans!
That thought flashed through his mind.
His uneven breathing testified to his astonishment and unease.
He couldn’t help but speculate wildly: did the human leadership know about this? If they did, was it kept secret to avoid panic, or was there another reason?
If they didn’t know…
Lu Jing dared not imagine the consequences of such a scenario.
What should he do?
What must be done…
His chaotic thoughts battered his mind.
“Calm down, calm down.”
Lu Jing slapped himself hard, took a deep breath, and stared blankly at the white wall before him.
The boat will find its way when it reaches the bridge.
He already held crucial information and had a clear understanding of the situation. He must act like a chess player—carefully, step by step, uncovering the truth.
Besides, he already had suspects to investigate further.
Moreover, that bloodthirsty rat that attacked Qiqi was obviously suspicious—was it involved?
Was it the Spirit Bright Stone Ape?
But it seemed to lack such abilities.
Did it have accomplices?
Were those accomplices human or demon beasts?
Overwhelmed by endless questions, Lu Jing felt as if his head might explode.
He shook his head to clear it and settled his thoughts.
No more overthinking. With things as they are, he would take it one step at a time.
“Hmm…”
Su Qiqi had awakened.
She slowly opened her hazy eyes, carrying a touch of laziness and boundless tenderness.
“Awake,” Lu Jing smiled softly, lowering his head to kiss her gently on her restless little head.
“A Jing, your injury…”
“It’s nothing,” Lu Jing shook his head lightly.
“How’s the situation outside?”
Su Qiqi’s expression darkened as she spoke quietly, “It’s not looking good. The casualty count hasn’t been finalized, but…”
Lu Jing fell silent as well.
“Assembly, assembly.”
The loudspeaker outside the military hospital blared.
Lu Jing prepared to get up but was stopped by Qiqi.
“A Jing, your body…”
“It’s fine. Let me see them off.”
After all, they were comrades-in-arms; there was still some bond between them.
In the hospital courtyard, everyone had gathered, faces drawn and somber. This battle had cost them dearly.
The two deputy battalion commanders standing at the front looked grim as well.
Gu Wu stepped forward, his voice deep and slightly hoarse:
“The fallen are gone; the living continue. May heaven and earth be at peace.
The soul of Huaxia shall endure forever.
We have no time to drown in sorrow, for the demon beasts’ steps never cease.
Today we faltered in training; tomorrow we face death and destruction. So, young ones, grow strong—strong enough to protect yourselves, strong enough to drive the demon beasts from our lands, strong enough to destroy the demon tribes and restore the human world’s clarity.”
Gu Wu’s passionate words ignited many hearts, planting seeds of strength and resolve.
“Now, as deputy battalion commander of Military Base F323, I order the battlefield to be cleared, demon crystals recovered, and our heroes sent home.”
“Yes!”
The young men and women shouted with tears in their voices.
“Disperse.”
At his command, groups of three to five began cleaning the battlefield.
Just then, a soldier with a plaster cast on his arm and a pale face approached Lu Jing.
“Young man, thank you for saving Old Ma’s life. Although he couldn’t be saved, our entire Third Company, Fifth Platoon, Third Squad remembers this kindness. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to find us.”
He handed Lu Jing a paper with three phone numbers written on it.
“Thank you.”
Lu Jing accepted it without refusal.
Whether he used it or not was another matter; whether he accepted it was another still.
At this moment, Lu Jing’s heart felt like a heavy stone, suffocating him under its weight. The burden was crushing and made it hard to breathe freely.
He looked up toward the familiar tent—only a few lonely stools remained; the once lively scene had turned desolate.
Things had changed; people were gone.
Lu Jing took a deep breath.
He hadn’t expected their bond to be so brief.
People must cherish every meeting—no one knows if this might be the final goodbye.
As the battlefield was cleared, soldiers tacitly carried back their fallen comrades, while the students were responsible for extracting demon crystals.
Even so, the students felt powerless. Facing the grotesque demon carcasses, nausea overwhelmed them; they vomited repeatedly, as if their stomach acid would be expelled.
“Qiqi, are you alright?”
Lu Jing looked at her pale face with concern.
“I’m fine.”
She resolutely continued joining the demon crystal excavation.
If she couldn’t endure this trial, how could she keep up with A Jing?
Fueled by this belief, Su Qiqi persevered.
Though Lu Jing worried for her, he did not stop her.
The environment was harsh; only by adapting could one survive. No one could protect her at all times; the best protection was for her to become stronger herself.