Chapter 77: Provocation (1/2)
The Capital Star was surrounded by three rings of land, even the closest of which took two hours of travel to get to. Lu Yin was traveling in the newest model of plane in the Great Yu Empire, its speed even exceeding a Limiteer’s. From his perspective, the distance between the Capital Star and the first ring was an ocean’s width.
During his flight to the first ring, Lu Yin crossed only about a dozen other planes that were slower than his. Not just anyone could enter these restricted zones; they were military grounds, and the first ring was under Yu Academy’s autonomous control. It was clear that this plane from the Crown Prince was specifically approved; it was unobstructed the entire way, not even having to stop at the flight platform as it flew directly toward the formcast pool.
“Boss, this is too cool, look at all those people getting examined. They look like the Empire’s officials, but even they need to stop for inspection while we can pass directly. This is a noble life!” Xu San was excited.
Lu Yin got him to shut up and glanced at Bronsen who was floating nearby. He had appeared when they were approaching the flight platform, and all the soldiers and officers on it saluted him. Although he was the third seat, his status was at least on par with the other vice-captains, not because he was an Explorer, but purely owing to his status. Watching the man, Lu Yin’s own thoughts ran wild. Home had asked him to inherit the Zishan status to infiltrate the Great Yu Empire. Did they also want him to join the Thirteen Imperial Squadrons? What about the Great Yu Empire’s Youth Council? What did they want him to do? No one had contacted him yet.
The first ring was about the same width as the Zenyu Star, but its surface area was far greater. It had an unfinished vibe to it, with sand and dust pervading the air while the occasional tornado thundered across and left Xu San pale. This was the location of Yu Academy, the training grounds for its elites and garrison for its troops.
The plane flew along a predetermined route. There wasn’t any danger at first, but ten minutes or so into the journey, a roar shook the skies and tore open the earth and sky. A terrifying blast of air nearly overturned the plane, but Bronsen was fortunately around to obstruct it.
Lu Yin was shocked; this was a roar of an existence at the Limiteer’s level. Though it was not as unparalleled in power as an Explorer, it could still cause his heart to tremble. Did Yu Academy elites frequently deal with Limiteers? He thought of Raas and Eddy before shaking his head; that couldn’t be the case.
“Boss, I feel like the Zenyu Star is safer. Maybe we should head back,” Xu San spoke timidly, but Lu Yin ignored him.
The plane landed and was sent to parking, while Lu Yin pulled Xu San along. This time, even he was stopped—Bronsen’s status wasn’t enough to allow him in directly, and they had to present a certificate of clearance. This left him curious, “Even you can’t enter the Academy as you please?”
“Yu Academy is a top-tier institution reserved for the Empire’s elite, even His Imperial Majesty cannot meddle however he wishes. This was an order he’d sent down when he first assumed his position. Your Majesty, I cannot interfere in anything at this place unless your life is in danger. Please take care of yourself.”
Lu Yin nodded, unable to help but feel more respectful of The Undying Yushan. He had given the younger generation liberty and freedom, but that was exactly what won him their hearts.
As they neared the formcast pool, Lu Yin heard a soft howl of extreme pain. His expression changed and he was about to charge in the moment he recognized its owner, but Bronsen spoke up, “Formcast remodeling is often a painful process, like the physical body being smashed into pieces and reorganized. It requires one’s cells to be remade from the ground up, with even the blood being generated once more. An inability to endure it means failure, and failure means death.”
Lu Yin paused, then regained his calm and walked in. The pool was surrounded by countless troops and under the protection of numerous experts of Yu Academy, with even Explorers among their ranks. It consumed far too many resources; Zhang Dingtian only qualified for the process because he was a realmbreaker, and had nothing to do with the man defeating school leaders. Entry to the pool was forbidden while it was in use, and Lu Yin saw Bai Xue and Seruzen waiting outside as well. The former’s gaze lit up when she saw him.
“How long has he been inside?” he asked.