Chapter 108
Mons was in charge of Adian’s repatriation. Huo Ranchuan was scheduled to leave the main star in a couple of days to eliminate the mercenary group’s base. Although he trusted that Adian wouldn’t cause any trouble, his cautious nature meant he wasn’t comfortable leaving Adian there while he was gone. He needed to eliminate any potential risks before his departure.
He wasn’t worried about anyone else; after all, the main star’s defense was strong, with Chen Min, Mons, and others present. Nothing serious would happen easily. But he was concerned about his Teacher Bai. Bai Nuosi was too soft-hearted and trusting; Huo Ranchuan didn’t want another kidnapping incident like last time.
The world was full of dangers, and Huo Ranchuan wanted to shield Bai Nuosi from them. He wanted him to remain as gentle and kind as ever.
After a night-long meeting, Huo Ranchuan returned the next morning. Bai Nuosi was having breakfast with the little Birdy, preparing to take it to the hospital to visit Adian once they finished eating.
As soon as Huo Ranchuan entered, Bai Nuosi looked up at him. Huo Ranchuan hadn’t returned the previous night, and Bai Nuosi was quite worried. He didn’t know what Huo Ranchuan had been busy with, but an all-nighter seemed too exhausting.
Bai Nuosi put down the small bread in his hand and stood up. “Would you like breakfast, Director?”
Huo Ranchuan, feeling tired but wanting to spend a bit more time with Bai Nuosi, decided to have breakfast. After all, he wouldn’t see him for over a month soon. He nodded. “That would be nice, if it’s not too much trouble.”
Bai Nuosi quickly replied, “Not at all.”
As Huo Ranchuan went to his room, Bai Nuosi turned to the little Birdy. “Take your time drinking the milk, okay? Don’t choke. I’m going to bring out the freshly baked egg tarts and bread.”
That morning, Bai Nuosi had made a variety of snacks, including small buns and other pastries. Since Huo Ranchuan had returned, he put together a small basket of cream buns, fruit pies, and a bowl of vegetable salad. He also prepared hot chocolate for Huo Ranchuan and honey milk for The Teng Snake.
While Huo Ranchuan was washing up, The Teng Snake crawled out of his room cautiously. It slowly climbed onto the table, stealing a nervous glance at Teacher Bai. Knowing that Bai Nuosi wasn’t fond of it, The Teng Snake was always tense when they met.
Bai Nuosi pushed the honey milk toward the Teng Snake, sitting beside it as he gently asked, “Teng Snake, have you been avoiding me lately?”
The Teng Snake took a sip of the milk, its eyes darting away in guilt. Bai Nuosi stroked the Teng Snake, feeling the cold, smooth black scales—he hadn’t touched them in a while. Sighing, he glanced at Huo Ranchuan’s room, then leaned closer to the snake, whispering, “On this trip, you mustn’t get hurt, okay? If there’s danger, run away immediately. Don’t try to fight it, got it?”
The Teng Snake blinked and nodded obediently, looking up at Teacher Bai.
Bai Nuosi added, “And make sure you don’t lose control again. This time, you’re going far away for a long time. If you lose control, I won’t be able to come and help. What will you do then?”
He couldn’t help but worry. Last time, Huo Ranchuan’s loss of control seemed similar to an alpha’s susceptibility period. Marking him temporarily had helped calm Huo Ranchuan’s mental sea, but such susceptibility periods weren’t easy to overcome; they could last up to a month. Bai Nuosi sighed again, still concerned for Huo Ranchuan.
When Huo Ranchuan finished washing up, he received a video call from Mons.
“Commander, Adian wants to participate in the special recruitment for the Imperial Academy. He’s asking if there are still spots available.”
Mons had previously been an instructor at the Imperial Academy but had been transferred to the Rose Nursery. It had been a while since he was involved with the academy, so he was unaware of its current status.
Huo Ranchuan replied, “There are still spots. When have they ever filled up these past three years?”
The Imperial Academy wasn’t an ordinary school; they only admitted 1,000 new students annually, making the competition fierce. Even special recruitment had strict requirements. For example, they sought flying raptors with mental strength at the A-level. Applicants also needed to have above B+ grades in theoretical subjects, close combat, and mecha AI operations.
As for background, applicants had to have a clean record and pledge loyalty to the empire.
Mons hesitated. “Commander, Adian doesn’t meet the requirements, does he?”
He seemed to lack formal education, and he had a background with the mercenary group.
Huo Ranchuan paused for a moment before saying, “There’s still a month until special recruitment ends. Let Chen Min guide him. Whether he can make it in depends on his own efforts.”
If Adian wanted to change his fate, he had to seize the opportunity.
Huo Ranchuan had thought Adian would never change his mind, but it seemed he was more adaptable than expected.
Under the supervision of the deputy and Mons, Adian blushed deeply as he solemnly swore in the name of the beast god to pledge loyalty to the empire and the Beastmen Star, promising never to betray his faith.
But inwardly, he told himself that his faith wasn’t in the empire but in what Teacher Bai had described as “light”—a “guardian star.” He wanted to grow stronger! One day, he would become Teacher Bai’s guardian star!
Huo Ranchuan saved the video of Adian’s vow, finding the boy’s sincerity amusing. He had actually made the oath, and with such earnestness. But Huo Ranchuan didn’t believe in such vows; people could change, and no oath could prevent that.
As he exited the bedroom, he saw Bai Nuosi holding The Teng Snake, petting it affectionately. Despite the previous incident with Huo Ranchuan’s loss of control, Bai Nuosi was reluctant to let go of the Teng Snake, knowing it would be leaving soon. Unable to help himself, he picked up the Teng Snake and hugged it.
The Teng Snake, overjoyed, nestled into his arms. Its tail, initially wrapping instinctively around Bai Nuosi’s waist, shifted nervously to coil around his arm instead.
Watching the scene, Huo Ranchuan’s eyes softened. If it weren’t for the spirit beast, Teacher Bai would have accepted his confession already. He was sure of it. Bai Nuosi was so soft-hearted.
Seeing this, the Teng Snake found itself torn. Over the past few days, it had been reconsidering. It even expressed in their shared mental space that if Teacher Bai agreed to be Huo Ranchuan’s partner, it would stay in the mental sea for extended periods. As long as Huo Ranchuan and Bai Nuosi were together, it would be as if it was spending time with Bai Nuosi, too. After all, it and Huo Ranchuan were one; there was no need to separate them so distinctly.
The Teng Snake had come to this decision because it cared about Bai Nuosi. It couldn’t bear to see him upset or miss out on being with him. It felt that if Bai Nuosi became Huo Ranchuan’s partner, it wouldn’t mind being treated as a pet. After all, they shared a mental connection—so it wouldn’t really feel left out.
Feeling grateful, The Teng Snake nestled into Bai Nuosi’s embrace, eyes gleaming as it awaited Huo Ranchuan to share his decision with Bai Nuosi. Surely, Bai Nuosi would accept the confession!
However, Huo Ranchuan didn’t mention the confession. Instead, he approached and glanced at the small bird pecking at corn. “Chen Min has decided to take Adian as his student. The little Birdy will also be able to train with the Golden Eagle at the academy.”
Training was a possibility, but getting into the academy was uncertain. Huo Ranchuan refrained from mentioning the special recruitment.
Bai Nuosi was delighted. “Really? I was just thinking last night about sponsoring Adian. If Mr. Chen is willing to take him on, that’s even better.”
Being Chen Min’s student, or disciple, meant he would take responsibility for Adian’s well-being, ensuring he was looked after. Bai Nuosi felt relieved.
The small bird perked up, thrilled—its thoughts filled with excitement about training alongside the Golden Eagle!
Huo Ranchuan watched the snake nestled in Bai Nuosi’s arms. “Teng Snake, time to eat.”
Stop snuggling into Bai Nuosi’s arms. What if he gets annoyed again?
The Teng Snake immediately lifted its head and climbed onto the table, glancing cautiously at Bai Nuosi.
Bai Nuosi fed it a small bread roll and said softly, “Go on, eat.”
After breakfast, Bai Nuosi prepared to leave with little Birdy. Since Adian would be training at the academy, he needed supplies. Without any money or family to support him, Bai Nuosi wanted to buy some essentials for him.
Before leaving, Bai Nuosi asked Huo Ranchuan, “Director, where will Adian stay? Since he isn’t a student at the academy yet, will anyone be responsible for his needs? I was thinking of buying some clothes and necessities for him. Do you think that’s okay?”
He also considered preparing a meal card for the academy, but he wasn’t sure if that would be acceptable, given that teenagers often had strong pride and might not accept direct financial support.
“I’m worried it won’t be enough. I really want to sponsor him, but I don’t know if brother Chen would approve.”
Huo Ranchuan, seeing Bai Nuosi’s concerned expression, decided against resting. He changed into casual wear. “It’s not inappropriate; he does need those things. He won’t be staying at the academy for now, but Chen Min will arrange accommodations for him. You don’t need to worry.”
He walked over. “By the way, did you receive your identity card yet?”
Bai Nuosi had applied for an identity card after being selected as one of the empire’s annual figures, but it was still in process.
“Not yet,” Bai Nuosi replied.
He planned to check the nursery’s store for suitable items. However, Huo Ranchuan suggested something else. “You’ve been here for a while but haven’t had a chance to explore the city. Let’s go shopping today.”
As the two headed out, they had no idea that Bai Nuosi was no longer just an ordinary person—he was now a star with over ten billion fans following his every move.
