His roar directly stirred up the memories of everyone from a week ago.
I… What the heck?!
Shocked.
Wowo Wo, the son of Walter?
Does Walter really have a son? And he sent his son to the Empire? Li ZouXing is truly Walter’s son?
So Walter isn’t really a woman?
This news was shocking enough to momentarily freeze the members of the Imperial Guard. Those who knew Li ZouXing cast secretive glances at him, only to find that Gu WenCheng beside him had an expression uglier than his.
A son?
Gu WenCheng could hardly believe what kind of idiot would believe such rumors.
Li ZouXing’s face turned stern as he asked those around him, “Is he talking about me?”
No one dared to nod, fearing he might impulsively do something irrational.
The approaching person continued to shout, completely disregarding the weapons pointed at them. “The son of Star Thief, Chengyang Military Academy dared to recruit him. Why wouldn’t I dare to come knocking? Hurry up and bring him to me. If it’s too late, it won’t be something a single energy projectile can resolve.”
The principal of the Combat Department, Bu WeiDe, hid behind the escort team, his old face darkening. “You actually believed the rumors on the Star Network. Every word you’re saying slanders my students. Can this really be solved with a single energy projectile?!”
Damn him, damn him! Bu WeiDe wished he could give the order on behalf of His Majesty Kate!
Apart from Walter, that increasingly powerful freak, no one in the entire galaxy dared to act presumptuously towards the Imperial Army and Chengyang Military Academy.
His Majesty Kate raised an eyebrow curiously and said to his son beside him, “This attack isn’t because of me this time?”
Nico, “Are you pleased, Your Highness?”
“Well, not bad, not bad,” His Majesty Kate chuckled while stroking his beard, “This experience is more enjoyable than being attacked.”
“By the way, where is that child?” He suddenly became interested, “The student Walter dragged along and jumped off the building? Have him come over and talk to me. It will also help ensure his safety.”
The members of the Royal Guard quickly went to find Li ZouXing. Before long, they brought Li ZouXing over.
All the important figures in the room were sizing him up. Suddenly, His Majesty Kate burst into laughter. “We really should let the person outside have a look at you. How could you possibly be Walter’s son?”
Li ZouXing raised an eyebrow, “Do you know Walter?”
His attitude impressed His Imperial Majesty, who smiled kindly and said, “No, I don’t know this universe-defying Star Thief personally. I’ve only glimpsed him from afar a few times.”
“But even though I don’t know him, everyone who has seen both of you can easily distinguish the differences between you two,” Kate’s warm hand covered Li ZouXing’s head, radiating the affection and affirmation of an elder, “You are much more approachable than that guy.”
The warrior causing trouble at the door was still blabbering on incessantly. The members of the Royal Guard were ready to apprehend him at any moment, waiting for Kate’s command.
His Imperial Majesty raised his hand to give the command, but the students near the periphery suddenly exclaimed loudly.
Li ZouXing reacted swiftly, almost reaching the window at the same moment. The members of the Royal Guard were even a fraction slower than him.
The growing exclamation spread through the crowd of students. Countless holographic screens and floating orbs turned their lights towards the window, the mixture of excitement and fear making the screams uncontrollable. Amidst the cries of admirers, a shout stood out, “Walter!!!”
The sun in the sky still shone brightly. In the midst of the public, Walter, who had disappeared from the auction area, mysteriously reappeared in Chengyang Military Academy.
He didn’t know when he had stood atop a tall building. His words were transmitted through his mental energy, carried lightly on the wind, “You fools.”
Everyone heard his hoarse tone, with a trace of disdainful mockery hidden within. It silenced the previously excited and cheering crowd.
Unease began to creep in; they felt uncertain about the developments that would follow. In silence, they observed the two individuals battling before them.
The attacker who was called a fool was indeed flushed with anger. He grinned fiercely, bearing a bloodthirsty intent. “I thought you were dead long ago. Turns out you’ve been hiding under the Empire’s wing, you damn thing. Just you wait, I’m going to end you today!”
His hatred towards Walter was absolute, his expression grotesque. He raised his weapon without hesitation and fired a shot at Walter.
His approach this time was noticeably different from before, clearly indicating that this weapon was his arrogant reliance.
The energy stored at the muzzle coalesced into a terrifying deep blue, distorting the air around the muzzle into visible arcs.
Li ZouXing furrowed his brows and subconsciously looked in Walter’s direction.
Their eyes met.
In the next instant that captured his attention, Walter leaped into the air, tracing a perfect arc through the atmosphere. With an overwhelming mental force trailing behind him, he charged straight at his opponent!
“Hiss…”
Li ZouXing could hear the collective gasp around him.
This sight looked incredibly cool! Regardless of whether he was a Star Thief or not, the fearless descent from the sky ignited everyone’s passion. Even the ferocious image formed by the mental energy behind Walter’s back aroused admiration.
“Hmm?” Emperor Kate, strolling up to Li ZouXing’s side, exclaimed in surprise, “Didn’t Walter used to take just a second to kill someone? Since when did he start showing off like a young kid?”
Fortunately, Walter’s attention wasn’t on Emperor Kate at the moment. Otherwise, with his mental abilities, that statement could’ve reached the increasingly snarky person’s ears, word for word.
Li ZouXing suppressed his laughter, desperately holding back the corners of his mouth.
In reality, even if Walter had slowed down considerably, this battle would have ended very shortly.
Before the enemy’s energy cannon could be released, Walter’s mental power had already shattered the entire muzzle.
“Trash,” Walter’s voice was low, “Even a waste dares to come find me?”
His anger was palpable as he held the enemy’s neck with one hand, “Huh?”
Members of the Royal Guard couldn’t allow him to violate the Empire’s laws in front of everyone. One of them stepped forward with a strong sense of righteousness, “Walter, stop.”
Walter glanced at them lightly, his icy gaze carrying a wrathful intimidation.
If the Imperial Emperor hadn’t come today, there wouldn’t have been a 20-minute break in the middle. That was the root of his displeasure.
Li ZouXing maneuvered past the group before him, walking out amidst the various gazes. He held a weapon in his hand and stood with the members of the Royal Guard.
Walter’s gaze naturally landed on him. Perhaps it was because Gu WenCheng was wearing a mask now, adopting an identity no one recognized, but that lingering look made his scalp tingle.
A part of the manifested mental energy behind Gu WenCheng bloomed with dazzling light, while another part remained concealed. Familiar with the way, it surged toward Li ZouXing.
From his feet, embracing his form.
The high-mental-energy individuals around them tensed abruptly but detected nothing.
“My future…” Walter paused, “opponent, long time no see, young man.”
He considerately omitted the term “comrade.”
Nico, watching from behind, halted in his steps, a look of astonishment on his face.
Prince Yin Sa muttered to himself, “Opponent?”
A new student from Chengyang Military Academy, regarded as a future opponent by Walter?
How could anyone believe that!
Even if this new student was outstanding, there were many students at Chengyang Military Academy more talented than Li ZouXing. How could a just-turned-adult youngster be considered a future rival by Walter, one of the strongest in the galaxy?!
And Walter cared about him so much!
Emperor Kate also blinked in surprise, and then his eyes lit up as he issued a command to the school officials, “Anyone who can be considered Walter’s opponent must have talent no less than Walter’s. That guy is getting older, and your students are full of youthful energy. You must train someone who can stand toe-to-toe with Walter. I believe in you in this regard. The future talent of the Empire relies on your cultivation, got it?”
This evaluation was substantial, and Walter’s attitude was too elusive. The school officials were still dazed, nodding in agreement, “We will, we will.”
With such a significant display, who could still twist the rumors towards romantic relationships or father-son bonds?
The corner of Walter’s mouth curled slightly. He approached Li ZouXing, intending to have an open conversation between rivals.
However, Li ZouXing cautiously stepped back, holding his familiar mental long blade horizontally in front of him. His tone was even more arrogant than Walter’s, “Star Thief, leave.”
Oh my goodness, the new student was this cool!
For normal people, facing Walter without trembling was impressive. But for Li ZouXing, it was just a stage where he played with great enthusiasm.
Walter halted his steps.
His mask concealed his expression, making it impossible to discern his current emotions.
“Leave?”
After a moment, he chuckled with a playful tone, “Taking you away too? My boy.”
That was quite a gay statement!
But nobody felt it was inappropriate.
The captain of the Royal Guard held a stern expression, “Do you dare to take someone from Chengyang Military Academy without proper authorization?”
They were cautious of all routes, but due to Gu WenCheng’s mental power, they weren’t confident that this warning could restrain Walter.
Sure enough, Walter disregarded them and walked straight up to Li ZouXing. His mental power enveloped them, allowing others to witness their movements but preventing them from hearing their conversation.
“It’s been a long time since Ma Wei Star, hasn’t it?” Walter’s voice carried a smile, faintly asserting dominance, “Didn’t you measure my face afterward? How come you didn’t submit to the Empire?”
Li ZouXing’s expression remained unchanged as he lowered his hand, “Too bad I forgot the dimensions of your features afterward.”
Walter tilted his head, “What about here? Did you also forget my appearance?”
His gaze made his lips tingle with warmth.
“My memory’s not great, sorry,” Li ZouXing replied with a casual smile, “I completely forgot, no impression whatsoever.”
Walter suddenly sighed.
He took a step forward.
The members of the Royal Guard started attacking his mental barrier. “Don’t you dare get close to him!”
Li ZouXing also grew cautious again. The two locked eyes, shutting out the presence of those around them. “What are you planning, Star Thief?”
“Let you achieve something.”
“An achievement?” Li ZouXing chuckled, “You want me to achieve something because of a Star Thief? Do you want me to measure your face again?”
“You brought it up.” Walter retorted.
Li ZouXing’s expression changed, but before he could step back, Walter had already carried him onto a controlled flyer, quickly zooming away.
Dozens of people followed in an instant, yet they were all blocked by the mental barrier.
The breeze that brushed past them couldn’t be masked by the mental energy, Walter was being far too arbitrary, perhaps one could say his judgment was clouded by impulsiveness.
He hadn’t even left the campus. He found a secluded, uninhabited, dark room and pushed Li ZouXing inside.
The room’s light was shattered, and the scent of dust pervaded the air.
“What do you want?” His breath had become unexpectedly rapid, his words increasingly explicit, “How are you planning to measure my face?”
After adapting to the environment, Li ZouXing replied, “Of course, with my hands.”
As soon as he said it, something cold pressed against his arm—a metallic sensation. With a clink, the small object turned into handcuffs, imprisoning his hands.
Li ZouXing’s scalp tingled.
Without question, Walter even equipped something like this. And with Gu WenCheng carrying this item around, he knew exactly who it was meant for and when it would be used. He could easily guess.
Subsequently, Walter pulled him towards a wall.
Dark emotions bred boldness and desire, yet Walter didn’t make any further drastic moves. He just leaned against the wall and addressed Li ZouXing, “So now, you have no hands.”
“How do you intend to touch me?”
Their breaths intertwined, and after a moment, Li ZouXing leaned closer to Walter, “You’re still wearing the mask.”
“Darling, through the mask,” the person against the wall seemed intoxicated, “there’s a small opening in the mask. Stick your tongue in, and you’ll touch one of my facial features. You might even taste sweetness.”
“Is it really sweet?” Li ZouXing approached slowly, his hot breath already wafting, “Where can you taste sweetness?”
“Right here, just here. Under the mask, where my voice comes from,” Walter said, “Aren’t you a military academy student? Be serious, boy. The entire Empire wants to know my appearance. You should contribute to the Empire.”
This was still Li ZouXing’s old argument.
In the darkness, they were extremely close, and only with wide-open eyes and intense concentration could one notice the white of his mask. As Li ZouXing searched for that small opening, he continued, “It’s just a single facial feature.”
“But this place can let you taste sweetness,” Walter replied, “Are you thirsty?”
“A bit,” Li ZouXing found the opening, “It’s quite small.”
Walter was Gu WenCheng’s alter ego, a 38-year-old star thief wandering the interstellar realm. This identity unconsciously caused Gu WenCheng’s mentality to align with this role. The atmosphere and environment were pushing them both to forget everything and follow their hearts without restraint.
The opening on the mask was just a slit, designed to make wearing it more comfortable for Walter. Li ZouXing lowered his head, the tip of his tongue lifting the slit. In a muffled voice, he said, “I can’t really gauge the shape of your lips.”
His handheld device had been producing various sounds all along, as everyone attempted to contact him and figure out his location. But no one would know that the exceptional, sunny new student from Chengyang Military Academy was at this moment engrossed in cracking the mask of the interstellar pirate Walter.
He was too serious. Walter couldn’t resist, and he too extended his tongue, reaching toward that small slit.
Separated by the pristine mask, in the slit, their tongues barely touched.
Both of them felt a jolt through their nerves. This wasn’t even a tongue-to-tongue contact, yet it was more thrilling than their morning kiss.
They couldn’t fully touch, because Walter’s renowned mask separated them, only in that narrow slit.
Unconsciously, Walter moved his tongue, and the lip portion of the mask slightly shifted. The warmth from the other’s lips came through the mask.
This warmth was like desire veiled by a layer of gauze, and it was like pouring oil onto water.
