Chapter 14: The General’s Command

The foundational knowledge course proved tedious for students who were already heroes. Aside from those of humble origins, most hailed from established families or factions and were well acquainted with these basics. The instructor, troubled by this, offered a few “well-intentioned” reminders before departing, tinged with resignation and hope.

This hint, coupled with the physical combat class and the appearance of the burly man, allowed some students to speculate that this man must be the renowned instructor Coldshade.

Coldshade was a teacher with his own philosophy: to become a qualified cultivator, one must endure the baptism of countless battles. Thus, his classes were ever fraught with combat.

The result was frequent injuries, disabilities, and occasional deaths.

Some students had reported him to the academy, others tried to leverage their families' influence to have him replaced. All efforts proved futile.

Coldshade’s humble beginnings were offset by his mentor when he was a student at Butterfly Academy—a guide so powerful that no one could challenge his position.

Those who knew the truth spoke quietly among themselves, and the mystery finally surfaced. It turned out that the current vice dean, the Queen’s foremost advisor—Shadowless—had been Coldshade's mentor and was his unshakeable support.

As word spread, the students grew increasingly fearful. They watched Coldshade stand like a spear, silent and cold, their hearts trembling at the impending combat course.

Only Solitary Farewell, standing outside the crowd, remained unaffected. He was immersed in a unique state, recalling the actions of Sea Marquis and Shadowless, feeling a surge of excitement. The desire to become strong, unleashed after breaking the shackles of the second transformation, rushed forth from his soul, urging his blood and energy to boil within him. Heat coursed through his body, making him hot and breathless.

“A strong one… To become strong, first I need sufficient battle power. To increase my battle power, I must break through the constraints of my realm, so I can soar freely… I can feel it, I’m getting closer to the Commander level, all I need is an opportunity…” Solitary Farewell struggled to suppress his impulse, avoiding unnecessary trouble. Yet the waves of heat crashed relentlessly, even igniting his battle power, roaring fiercely within the Five Springs…

…

“All right, time’s up. Rest is over, class begins. Everyone stand up.” The robust instructor Coldshade suddenly announced in a loud voice. His eyes flashed sharply as he scanned the students, holding a roster in his hand. Without a hint of emotion, he declared, “Before I explain combat knowledge, you need to demonstrate your strength. I want to see your weaknesses so I can tailor my instruction. Listen for your name, step forward, and fight.”

“Dragonheart.”

“Wind Foe.”

The two students stepped forward and took their place in the open space.

“Begin,” the instructor shouted. “Use your best techniques, skills, ultimate moves. No holding back. If you deliberately conceal your abilities or show mercy, you’ll face my punishment. Those familiar with my reputation know what happens. The rest can inquire—it’ll help you survive the punishment.”

“Ah—”

“Hah!”

Both students shuddered. They were scions of two families, with elder siblings at Butterfly Academy, well aware of Coldshade’s ruthless reputation. There had been students who died under his punishment.

A murmur ran through the crowd as they whispered and questioned one another, chaos spreading. Soon, a change crept in: eyes glinted fiercely, friendships vanished, replaced by mortal enmity. Wind Foe and Dragonheart in the arena began to attack with wild abandon. After a few moves, both bore wounds; exposed skin on faces and heads was mottled with bruises.

“Excellent,” Coldshade exclaimed. “I can see you’re used to fighting; your experience is immature but acceptable. What you lack is murderous intent—not ruthless enough!” As he spoke, his tone abruptly shifted into a roar. “Didn’t your elders tell you? In this world, the strong reign, the weak are prey. Whoever fights you is your enemy. Against your enemy, unleash enough killing intent, show no mercy, and fight forward with everything you have… If your hand fails, use your foot; if your foot fails, use your head to ram; bite your foe to death if you must!”

Roar—

Dragonheart took a punch to the throat, nearly breaking his windpipe. His eyes flooded with blood, face twisted in ferocity, he howled like a beast and lunged, mouth open to bite.

“Oh my god.” Wind Foe recoiled in fright, feeling Dragonheart transform from man to beast. In his panic, he stumbled and fell, scrambling away.

“Stop!” Coldshade seized Dragonheart, and as he lunged with bared teeth, slapped him awake, saying at the opportune moment, “See that? Even beasts bully the weak and fear the strong. If you’re ruthless enough, if your strength is great enough, whether man or beast, they’ll fear you. Your words will be obeyed…”

Coldshade truly was a qualified instructor, never letting an opportunity slip by.

“Next pair…”

“Night.”

“Fanghan.”

Fanghan was a gifted youth, having discovered and developed his own Spring of Strength, stronger than average, giving him more than five times the ordinary battle power. Night was ordinary, at most fivefold, and suffered in direct confrontation. Fanghan probed a few times, gauged his opponent, and launched a swift assault, quickly defeating Night.

The next pair matched each other in strength. One excelled in speed, nimble steps, and after a protracted battle, seized an opportunity and overcame his opponent.

…

“I’m leaving.” The young man carrying a great bow spoke expressionlessly.

Tiger King appeared troubled. “Divine Bow, you know I’ve always had high hopes for you. I’ve done my best to aid your cultivation…”

“I’m sorry, Commander.” Divine Bow bowed slightly in apology. “I know you’ve cared for me. But I was promoted by Chief Wanyue. He’s dead. I can’t do anything for him except leave.”

“Can’t you wait until after the Alliance Tournament?” Tiger King probed, unwilling to let go. “It’s only a few months.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t.” Divine Bow lowered his head, turned, and departed. His steps were steady, each stride measured precisely.

As Divine Bow’s figure vanished, another entered. Tiger King recognized him and sighed deeply. “Phantom, you’re leaving too?”

“Yes.” The newcomer stood about five foot seven, clad in black linen, his face always shrouded in a mist, concealing his true features. The aura he emitted was strange, alternating between strong and weak.

“Very well, go. I know Wanyue cared for you as well. Without him, you wouldn’t have reached your current realm. His kindness weighs heavily upon you.”

“Yes, Commander.” Phantom spoke softly. “Though you selected me from countless heroes, in these years Chief Wanyue looked after me greatly. Since I can’t avenge him, I must leave. I’m sorry I can’t help you in the Alliance Tournament.”

Phantom retreated, light as wind, vanishing without a trace.

“Sigh…” Tiger King sighed long and hard, his mood tangled and unsettled. “For years, I’ve prepared for this tournament. At the Commander level, I had Phantom; at the General level, Divine Bow; at the Hero level, newly discovered Solitary… I once had confidence in a triple victory, to boost my honor. But now two have left… Even if Solitary wins at the Hero level, the honor is too little, nothing compared to General and Commander. As for the Traveler level, I must abandon it, and at the Marquis level, only Wind Marquis stands, with little hope… It’s hard… Where have all the geniuses gone… Solitary, what are you doing now…”

…

“Charge!”

Solitary Farewell focused all his consciousness on guiding his battle power. Essence, energy, and spirit exploded, surging madly. At first, he was extremely cautious, guiding only a trickle to probe. He found his body and soul locked by an unbreakable cage, as if the will of heaven and earth had imposed it. The lock was tight; the force entered but caused not a ripple.

So he added more power—still nothing.

More… a faint reaction.

Still more… his heart thumped, Five Springs shook.

Continuing… snap! The lock finally opened!

Power surged forward, breaking the cage completely, restoring freedom.

Charge, charge, charge…

Standing at the back, nearly against the wall, wholly absorbed, he could neither hear nor see anything in the room. The power in his Five Springs had reached peak saturation, absolutely full. His mind echoed with one thought: charge, break through the obstacles, shatter the shackles, stride into a new realm!

“Just a little more, just a fraction left!” Sweat drenched him, hair hanging in clumps to his forehead, obscuring his eyes.

“Next two—Wolf, Solitary Farewell.” At this moment, Coldshade called his name, coincidentally pairing him with Wolf.

Wolf’s face was bitter, resigned as he took his place.

“Solitary Farewell!” Coldshade shouted, his brow twitching—a habitual sign of impending fury. “Solitary Farewell, get out here!”

“Open up, damn it—”

Solitary Farewell focused, gathering all the power of his Five Springs, and in silent determination, charged!

Boom!

His body shook violently—a breakthrough.

Though the power in his Five Springs was nearly exhausted, only faint remnants remained. But as this trace of power flowed through every channel, the five springs resonated simultaneously with a hum. Then, faint throbbing sounds began within.

Swish—

Solitary Farewell opened his eyes, feeling his spirit cleansed, a qualitative leap. As his eyelids lifted, his gaze shot forth, solid and piercing.

Thump~ thump~ thump~

The sounds varied in intensity, rhythm steady and escalating, vigorous and stirring, like a heroic melody.

“Solitary Farewell… eh?” Coldshade’s shout paused as his ears caught what sounded like drums. Looking for the source, he saw a student standing there.

“Teacher, that’s Solitary Farewell,” Wolf whispered.

“Then get out here… Wait, what? Damn it.” Coldshade realized suddenly, cursing in frustration. “This is the learning site for first-level hero students—what’s a General doing here? Are you here on purpose?”

Second-level student?

General?

Wolf was dumbstruck.

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