"What... what is this?" Little Wei stared in astonishment at Ling Wanbai beside her.
"Soul enhancement. Don’t resist—it’ll benefit you."
Ling Wanbai hadn’t expected such an unexpected gain either. For Little Wei right now, nothing was more needed than strengthening her soul.
Hearing this, Little Wei immediately focused entirely on accepting the energy transmitted by the staff.
Their own equipment really was impressive—it even helped its master level up.
After a long while, the staff finally settled down, spinning twice before landing in Little Wei’s hand.
Closing her eyes to sense the information conveyed by the staff, Little Wei suddenly snapped them open again.
"My weapon isn’t just a staff anymore."
"What do you mean?" Ling Wanbai asked.
"It can transform now. And it’s gained another ability—Devour."
A weapon capable of devouring any skill or attack? Little Wei was absolutely thrilled.
"Really? If that’s the case, then this is quite good." Ling Wanbai couldn’t help feeling pleasantly surprised.
This way, they wouldn’t have to worry about other hosts attacking Little Wei in the future.
Generally, these kinds of competitions weren’t about hosts fighting each other—just completing tasks as quickly as possible.
"Let’s head back. By the way, how long was I asleep?"
Little Wei was puzzled.
"Three days." Ling Wanbai sounded both amused and exasperated.
Little Wei: ???
"Did I really sleep that much?" She was utterly speechless.
"Let’s get you checked when we’re back." Ling Wanbai ruffled her hair before taking her seat at the control panel.
"We need to return immediately. Any later, and it’ll be hard to explain things to the academy."
Besides, as the team leader, she’d likely have to report to the Federation upon returning.
As for the matter with the insectoids—should they inform the Federation?
Reporting it would definitely earn them rewards, but they couldn’t explain why the insectoids had inexplicably vanished. Better to keep it hidden for now.
Professions could always be replaced in future worlds, but soul enhancement was irreplaceable.
After several days, Ling Wanbai finally brought Little Wei back to the academy.
Dean Li contacted them the moment they returned.
"So, what have you been up to?" Dean Li eyed Ling Wanbai, her golden hair cascading down, with a teasing glint in his eyes.
"Just took a little trip. Don’t worry, I’ve taught everything I needed to."
Ling Wanbai was referring to Little Wei’s studies.
Dean Li, observing Ling Wanbai’s radiant expression, seemed to understand something.
"Good. That gives me some free time. Since the insectoids have been quiet lately, you can take charge of the little one’s studies. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, feel free to ask me."
Ling Wanbai was, after all, a genius-level talent with expertise on insectoids. Dean Li trusted her completely.
Young people’s affairs were beyond his involvement now.
After ending the call with Dean Li, Ling Wanbai gazed outside. The weather had turned colder, the wind biting. The thought of the shadowy host still at large weighed on her mind.
The biggest concern was that they still didn’t know the shadow’s objective.
"Little one, you’ll need to report the shadow’s activities too."
With that, Ling Wanbai entered the apartment and spotted Du Ran watering plants in the adjacent garden. The moment Du Ran saw Ling Wanbai and Little Wei, surprise flickered across her face.
"You... you’re back?"
Hadn’t Li Luoyi said she’d kill these two?
What was going on?
Du Ran was utterly confused. She’d even seen Li Luoyi at the academy earlier and tried to greet her—only to be completely ignored. The cold shoulder left Du Ran seething.
"And where else should we be?" Little Wei smiled at her.
"Do you like Zhang Yunxiao?"
The moment her secret was laid bare by Little Wei, Du Ran’s eyes widened, and the watering can slipped from her hand.
"H-how did you know?"
Du Ran was stunned.
As far as she knew, she’d only told Li Luoyi. Had Li Luoyi revealed it?
What Du Ran didn’t realize was that disaster was already looming over her.
The root of it all was simple—the real Li Luoyi had returned.
Li Luoyi faced her father, her voice heavy with disdain. "Father, all of this... it really was Du Ran’s doing."
"You’re saying the Federation’s collapse was because of Du Ran?" Dean Li’s eyes held disbelief.
"Yes. And she’s also made deals with the insectoids—all for Zhang Yunxiao’s sake." Li Luoyi’s expression was complex. She had her own unresolved desires.
The life she wanted was simple: her parents alive, herself safe and sound.
"She wants to be with Zhang Yunxiao? Is she insane?" Dean Li was utterly baffled.
This completely violated Federation regulations.
"She’s already entangled with the insectoids—no different from a rabid dog. Dad, I don’t want the Federation to fall."
Generations had fought for the peace the Federation now enjoyed, yet some took it for granted.
Li Luoyi hadn’t understood the value of that peace either—until the insectoids invaded, forcing her and her family to drift through space for decades. Those days had been pure terror.
Though Du Ran wasn’t her father’s student, he was still the academy’s dean. Li Luoyi could hardly fathom how twisted Du Ran truly was.
"The problem is, we need evidence. I believe you, of course. Time travel might sound fantastical, but with our technology, it’ll be possible someday."
Dean Li sighed.
"But the Du Family... I’ll need proof."
The Federation had never communicated with the insectoids—they weren’t even the same species. He couldn’t fathom how Du Ran had even made contact. The insectoids’ reproductive rate was terrifying enough; if they gained higher intelligence, it’d be catastrophic.
"But I want her dead." Li Luoyi gritted her teeth.
During those years adrift in space, the bone-chilling void had made it hard to even open her eyes. The agony of exile had left her yearning to grind Du Ran to dust.
As for Zhang Yunxiao, Li Luoyi could only sigh.
His death had been brutal. By then, Du Ran had descended into madness—on the day of Zhang Yunxiao’s wedding, she’d led the insectoids to the Federation’s planets. He was the first to die.
Obsessive love?
More like a deranged mind.
"Sweetheart, don’t be like this. You know the Du Family has always supported the Federation. Du Ran is their sole heir. Without evidence, there’s nothing I can do." Dean Li trusted his daughter, but this was beyond his power.
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