Chapter 28: Companions

Helan Mountain, that arrogant youth, had finally met his downfall in the least expected way. When he was carried out of the student council, his bloody and tragic appearance stunned the upperclassmen who had gathered to watch the spectacle, leaving them with chills in their hearts. The methods of that seven-year-old were simply too brutal.

Brutal? Was this really brutal? It was merely pain on the skin and agony beneath the belt. Compared to the other party’s intent to leave Xiaochui half-crippled, Long Yin felt they had already been merciful.

Back in the dormitory, as soon as Xiaochui closed the door, he slumped down against it, his feet pressed together, clutching his paws, and muttered gloomily, "I've caused trouble!"

Long Yin turned back to look at the dejected Xiaochui, and for some reason, a surge of anger rose within him. Frowning, he walked over to Xiaochui and demanded, "What trouble have you caused?"

Seeing Long Yin so angry, Xiaochui lowered his head even further.

Grabbing Xiaochui's head, forcing their eyes to meet, Long Yin’s gaze was sharp and domineering. "If you really think that, then leave now and return to Lizhou!"

Long Yin felt miserable. But they had to overcome this hurdle. He knew Xiaochui’s responsibility was to look after him, and any mistake would easily be blamed on himself, even though he was the one injured.

To Long Yin, Xiaochui was not just a card beast pet, nor merely a follower. He regarded him as a partner—someone with whom he could exchange banter and jests, do things without taboos and never cause offense, only occasional helplessness. They indulged each other, always cared for one another, and could entrust everything, even their lives.

Thus, Xiaochui’s self-reproach sparked anger and frustration in Long Yin. If only he were more assertive, who would dare lay a hand on his people?

"Yin..." Hearing Long Yin’s words, Xiaochui’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at him.

"Listen!" Long Yin pinched his ear fiercely and, for the first time, spoke in a voice of utmost seriousness, "You have never brought trouble to me. And even if you did, I’d willingly bear it! Do you understand?"

Xiaochui stared at Long Yin in a daze, then nodded blankly.

"Do you still want to go back to Lizhou?" Long Yin asked.

"No!" Xiaochui instantly snapped out of his stupor.

Seeing Xiaochui return to normal, Long Yin released his ear, then rested his head on Xiaochui’s shoulder, lazily leaning against him, with a hint of helplessness in his voice. "The other side now has a hundred ways to deal with us. I’ve done everything I could beforehand. Now, whatever comes our way, we just have to face it. But remember this: for every injury we suffer, we’ll collect payment in full—and repay it a hundredfold! Any grievance I can endure, because after this, they’ll suffer far more than I ever will!"

Supporting Long Yin, a mysterious gleam flashed in Xiaochui’s eyes.

Soon, Long Yin’s steady breathing filled the room. Xiaochui gently fanned him, occasionally scratching the back of his head. As if remembering something, he grinned foolishly.

Dexin Noble Garden. The canopy of green shaded half the estate, yet within the vast garden stood only a single tree. Its trunk was gnarled, branches lush, leaves casting a dense shadow. Such a tree was not unusual in Dezhou, but what was astonishing was that its branches stretched across half the estate, seemingly intent on expanding further. Many had tried to plant other trees inside, but within a week, they would wither. This tree was domineering, reigning supreme, not even allowing a single blade of grass to take root. It was as if this was its territory, and it used every ruthless means to consolidate its position. Here, one could only admire it—and the stone tiles covering the garden.

At the edge of the branches, with his back to the light, the sunlight gilded Ji Yin’s upright back, making his tall figure appear noble and elegant. Ji Yin’s slender, pale fingers held a green leaf, emotion swirling in his eyes—amusement and intrigue. His lips curved in a smile, both affectionate and detached.

Ji Yin, courtesy name Zun. Born with SS-level constitution, from Dezhou’s only ancient family on par with the Federal great clans. In fact, his family’s heritage went deeper than any other, tracing back to the distant past.

He took over the Dexin crown prince position at nine. Before that, he had climbed to the top of his devouring family, stepping on countless bodies, then competed with heirs of other families for the prince’s seat. Even he’d lost count; beneath the gentle surface lay a sea of blood.

Entered school at seven, took over as prince at nine—unprecedented, yet he achieved it. After eight years managing Dexin, his influence reached every corner. Now, a seven-year-old child was challenging him. He would not underestimate the boy; after all, he himself had been seven. How he made it through was an unrepeatable legend. The other was not Ji Yin. To put it bluntly, they were not on the same level.

He was unique, just like the domineering tree before him. He loved its arrogance, its supremacy.

With a slight smile and a flick of his wrist, the leaf shot like a nail into the trunk, without a trace of elemental power, relying solely on internal force. This was the Ji family—able to kill with a leaf or flower even without energy or cards.

"Prince!" The man standing under the blazing sun was drenched in sweat, but dared not move, not even lift his head to glance at Ji Yin. His expression was reverent, tinged with awe. Occasionally, he glanced at the corner of Ji Yin's white robe, his eyes full of devotion. The prince was his faith.

One side of the trunk was covered in leaves. Ji Yin turned to face the man, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes. "Do you know where you went wrong?"

"I underestimated my opponent!"

A cold laugh followed. "You underestimated your opponent, and overestimated yourself. When a hawk hunts a rabbit, it must use all its strength. But you… you’ve disappointed me! If you strike, strike to eradicate. In your own territory, to toy and probe is sheer folly—kill directly! This is your last chance. Fail, and you’re out of my sight forever! Useless fools make me want to destroy them!"

Cold sweat streamed down. He didn’t even dare lift his head, only shouted, "I will never disappoint the Prince again!"

"You’d best not. And throw Helan Mountain out—I don’t need such disgraceful subordinates!"

"Yes!"

"Get out!"

"Yes!" The figure swiftly left.

"A bunch of useless fools!" Leaves shot out, embedding in the trunk. Ji Yin drew a handkerchief from his pocket, slowly wiped his hands. As it dropped, it instantly became a pile of ash, carried away by the wind.

The notice regarding Long Yin’s punishment was sent directly from Dexin’s Vice Dean Wu Rong’s office to the Enforcement Captain. The enforcement team was generally independent from Dexin’s upper management, but sometimes information was shared. In this case, both agreed Long Yin must be severely punished.

No choice—both belonged to that organization. Usually, the school leadership, Dexin’s organization, and the enforcement team formed a tripartite balance, restraining each other. Sometimes one faction dominated, but mostly, they operated independently. This year, Ji Yin’s forceful presence broke the balance, controlling a third of the school's power.

Li Xian watched it all with a cheerful smile. He’d seen that child before. Perhaps if Ji Yin went back eight years, two children of the same age could have fought evenly, but now, even if he admired the child, he doubted anyone could handle Ji Yin. At most, the proud prince might feel some irritation. He favored Ji Yin, no doubt, and though he liked the child, he had no intention of spending eight more years cultivating a successor. He planned, in a few years, to send Ji Yin to the Federation to take over Dexin’s influence there. Ji Yin satisfied him on all counts. Let’s see how he handles this—after all, the Federation doesn’t tolerate bloodshed as easily.

When the enforcement squad arrived in force, Long Yin was already prepared. Xiaochui stubbornly wanted to be locked up with him, but Long Yin kicked him back.

If both were detained, some things would be impossible. Besides, Long Yin didn’t expect to be locked up for long. After calming Xiaochui, he handed over the energy cards he’d made, told him to be careful, and instructed to visit Sasaki. Only four words: the plan remains unchanged.

Long Yin followed the squad calmly. Xiaochui scratched his head—he had to trust Long Yin. Suppressing his worry, he straightened himself, preparing to visit Sasaki. At this time, he would surely be closely watched, making any action extremely risky. Xiaochui bared his sharp, menacing teeth; perhaps his strength was lacking, but his intelligence outstripped theirs by miles. A fierce gleam flashed in his bear eyes. Dare to match wits with Grandpa Bear? I’ll leave you in ruins!

When Long Yin was locked in a cramped, dim cell, he found there were no cameras installed. At ease, he sat cross-legged in a corner and began meditating. Though this training wasn’t particularly effective for mental strength, it was better than nothing. After prolonged extreme training, he could finally take a few days to recover.

Meanwhile, Wu Rong’s office welcomed the academy’s most eccentric elder—the Card-Making Institute’s Dean, Dorin. Three years ago, this old man had narrowly missed meeting Long Yin, but fate had arranged their connection: a card crafted by Long Yin had landed in Dorin’s mailbox, drawing him out at last!