Chapter 100: The child has been born; it is a girl, and she bears the surname Zhong...

Phoenix was training at the Royal Training Ground when she received the video.

The martial arts gym at the academy was crowded and chaotic, and many of the facilities required queuing and reservations. Given Phoenix’s unique status, she was the subject of whispers and stares wherever she went. If she were to wear tight-fitting training gear, she would only become an even greater focal point for everyone’s gaze.

Although Phoenix could use any of the gym’s facilities without waiting, it was precisely because she didn't have to queue that she felt she could not afford to act entitled. Doing so would only reinforce the perception that the royal family stood high above the people, unwilling to share in their joys or hardships—a notion inconsistent with her intentions for attending the Imperial First Military Academy.

Therefore, most of the time, she preferred to train at her own home facility. After all, it was fully equipped—even more so than the gym at the academy. Whenever the Princess needed to use it, her guards would be responsible for clearing the area. Aside from a few close relatives of the royal family, no one else had the right to use it.

"I won't allow you to not watch this video," Sheng Xinhuai said in a voice message she sent along with the video.

"What is it?" Phoenix replied.

She knew Sheng Xinhuai’s personality; the woman loved sending her prank videos. For instance, a video might start with a cute, hopping rabbit, only for it to suddenly transform into a ghastly demon rushing at the screen. Or, a seemingly interesting academic lecture might suddenly devolve into the sounds of a woman moaning. It was either going to scare her to death or cause her social ruin.

Having learned her lesson, Phoenix was determined never to open anything this woman sent without caution.

Sheng Xinhuai’s video call popped up immediately after. Once connected, she said, "Someone is challenging Tang Fei. You have to watch it; it’s hilarious."

"This isn't another prank, is it?" Phoenix asked, full of suspicion.

"You’re actually doubting me? You heartless thing. Fine, don't watch it. I’ve fulfilled my duties and responsibilities as a good friend by forwarding his news to you the moment I saw it," Sheng Xinhuai said, feigning heartbreak.

Phoenix noticed Sheng Xinhuai’s fiery red lips and hair permed into large waves, looking as if she were prepared for a night of debauchery. "Where are you headed looking like that?"

"To see my lover," Sheng Xinhuai winked at Phoenix, her voice dripping with sweetness.

"..."

"Oh, are you blushing?" Sheng Xinhuai teased, seeing Phoenix’s speechless expression.

"How long until you get here?" Phoenix asked.

"About ten minutes, I’m already on my way," Sheng Xinhuai replied. "You’re still at the training ground, right?"

"Yes. Once you arrive, we’ll go for a ride, and then we can have dinner here."

"Whatever you say, I’m all yours."

"..."

After hanging up, Phoenix looked at the video on her phone and finally couldn't resist tapping it open. There was no one else in the training hall, so even if some strange sound came out, no one would hear it. She just had to be wary of any monsters or demons jumping out—that would be truly terrifying.

Sheng Xinhuai was a woman who was mostly terrifyingly mature and wise; whenever Phoenix had problems or inner conflicts, she liked to talk them through with her. But sometimes, she was as childish as a toddler.

Fortunately, everything was normal.

The video began with Tang Fei’s face. Then, someone stepped forward to challenge him, only to be rejected by Tang Fei and subsequently kicked away by Ran Ran.

Ran Ran’s leg technique was excellent. Her legs were excellent, too.

Seeing Tang Fei in the video put Phoenix in a good mood. She hadn't seen him for dozens of hours. Watching his posture and hearing his words as he rejected the challenger felt very familiar to her. This was still the Tang Fei she knew; he hadn't changed at all just because he had arrived on New Star.

New Star was a society that valued rules and laws, whereas the Old Lands’ greatest deficit was the lack thereof. Phoenix had previously worried about whether Tang Fei would be able to integrate into New Star, or if he would have to make huge sacrifices and endure great pain to do so. Now, it seemed he was doing just fine—living in the way that made him most comfortable.

After the video finished, Phoenix couldn't resist hitting the play button again.

This time, she watched even more closely. Seeing Tang Fei take a step forward after hearing Ran Ran say that private duels were not allowed in the academy, Phoenix couldn't help but purse her lips and smile.

"This guy..."

"Which guy?" Sheng Xinhuai’s voice suddenly echoed in her ear.

"Ah?" Phoenix was startled. "How did you get here? That was fast!"

"I’ve been standing at the door for ages, just watching you play that video over and over, giggling to yourself... So, which guy were you talking about?"

"I was talking about Lu Yang," Phoenix said, looking at Sheng Xinhuai with a serious expression. "Why would he choose to challenge Tang Fei at a time like this?"

"What? Do you suspect someone is pulling the strings from behind the scenes?" Sheng Xinhuai asked. "Challenges are the norm in the Ancient Martial Arts department. People challenge each other every day. Your little friend defeated Shen Qingyu with a mid-grade Qi-condensing level; he’s currently the most popular person in the academy, his influence unparalleled. Isn't it normal for someone to step up and challenge him?"

"If it were a normal challenge, that would be fine," Phoenix said. "I’m just afraid it’s not."

Sheng Xinhuai walked over and sat on the floor in front of Phoenix, looking at her flushed, dewy complexion after her workout. "Are you worried about the Shen family taking revenge?"

Phoenix frowned deeply. "I know the Shen family too well. On the surface, they are humble and gentle; they make people feel as comfortable as a spring breeze, making it very easy for them to win favor from the outside world. In recent years, they’ve become even more low-key, as if they are deliberately trying to make people ignore their existence."

"However, deep down, they are extremely proud and stubborn. Shen Qingping was severely defeated by Tang Fei, and the Shen family lost all face. Dean Shang even authorized the school to release the video of that duel for everyone to watch and learn from..."

"As long as that video isn't taken down, it consumes the Shen family’s prestige and dignity day by day. If this continues year after year, will the Shen family still be the feared and respected family they once were? How could the members of the Shen family swallow this?"

Hearing Phoenix’s concern, Sheng Xinhuai narrowed her eyes and smiled. "So, Shang Xiulin chose to use Tang Fei as his knife to kill, despite the bad blood between him and the Shen family?"

"Exactly. Tang Fei is an immigrant from the Old Lands, without family, friends, or any foundation. How could he shoulder such a heavy burden? I’m afraid that if the Shen family puts even a little pressure on him, they will snap this broadsword in two and melt it down..."

"Who says Tang Fei has no family, friends, or foundation?" Sheng Xinhuai glanced at Phoenix. "Don't forget, he is the savior of the Phoenix Empire’s most beloved Princess. Not only that, but upon his arrival, he was received by the royal Grand Steward, Chen Fenglei, who personally arranged his work. The First Prince wants to gift him a gun, and the Second Prince gave him a flying car... How can a person like that be without foundation?"

"The outside world believes those rumors, but how could the Shen family not know the truth? It’s hard to say if they even care about me, the Princess. If they insist on moving against Tang Fei, we might be powerless to stop them."

"Given the Shen family’s 'seclusionist' style over the years, I don't think they will directly conflict with the royal family. But their family members are incredibly devious. Shen Boyu is known as the 'Interstellar Silver Fox.' If he decides to deal with Tang Fei, things will get complicated."

Phoenix nodded, her face full of worry. "That’s what I fear the most. Why do I feel like sending him to the Imperial First Military Academy has only harmed him? What exactly is that old man Shang Xiulin up to?"

"Stirring up conflict between the Shen family and the royal family? But that’s too obvious. It offends both parties. He’s been patient for so many years; he shouldn't be doing something so foolish. Why don't you go talk to him?"

Phoenix shook her head. "Those old men never let their emotions show. Before you can get a word out of them, they’ve already seen right through you. I’m not going to bother with such a thankless task."

"Then what should we do?" Sheng Xinhuai asked. "Just leave him in danger?"

Phoenix was silent for a moment. "I believe he can handle it well. No matter who wants to hurt him, they will pay a heavy price... just like back in the Old Lands."

"Ha!" Sheng Xinhuai scoffed. "An ant yawning—such big talk. Even if he has some talent and ability, against a giant like the Shen family, he’s nothing but a pancake waiting to be flattened. People die every day in Red Dragon Lake; one more or one less doesn't make a difference. If you didn't care, I doubt anyone else would."

"Of course I care," Phoenix said.

Sheng Xinhuai stared at Phoenix with a mischievous grin. "Who was it that said they wanted to keep their distance? Now that he’s in danger, you can't help but jump out? It’s only been a few days! Has it even been a week?"

"I’m not 'jumping out.' I just don't allow others to bully him. He is my savior. If someone bullied my savior and I stood by and did nothing, wouldn't that be even more abnormal?"

"Fair point," Sheng Xinhuai nodded. "Have you seen the comments online? This video has been posted on many platforms, and your little friend is becoming more and more popular."

"I haven't paid attention," Phoenix said. "What are the comments saying?"

"Shameless. Absolutely shameless."

"..."

"That’s not what I’m saying; that’s what the comments are saying."

"If I want to refuse, I refuse. How is that shameless? You can't force someone to do something they don't want to do, right?" Phoenix couldn't help but defend Tang Fei.

"I think it’s quite good. What a cute young man," Sheng Xinhuai said with a giggle.

"By the way, there’s a trending discussion online. Tang Fei said to Lu Yang, 'I can prove whether or not I’m a man.' Everyone is asking who that person is. Tell me honestly, was it you?"

"It wasn't me, of course not. How could it be?" Phoenix denied.

"Is that so?" Sheng Xinhuai eyed Phoenix suspiciously. "Who else could it be but you? Oh, Zhong Yuxue, you promised to eat vegetarian with me, but you went and ate meat behind my back... Do you have a conscience? Does it not hurt?"

"I did not," Phoenix said, annoyed.

"Was it good?"

"..."

Sheng Xinhuai looked at Phoenix seriously. "However, the wind is blowing in that direction..."

"..."

Phoenix knew there were natural winds, and there were man-made ones.

The direction the wind blows is often determined not by the wind itself, but by the people. Clearly, this wind didn't feel like a natural breeze; someone was fanning the flames.

"Are you feeling the pressure?" Sheng Xinhuai asked, watching Phoenix.

"Who do you think is doing this?" Phoenix asked helplessly.

The trees desire stillness, but the wind does not cease. She only hoped Tang Fei could live a stable and peaceful life. Why were there always people who wouldn't leave them alone?

"If we can't find concrete evidence, it’s the Shen family," Sheng Xinhuai said. "After all, this whole thing started because of their people."

"Whether the Shen family wants to divert attention or someone else is fanning the flames, it’s not good news for us."

"That’s for sure. If your old man sees this, he’ll probably be furious. He just talked to you a few days ago, and now this happens. Once his temper is stirred up again and again, and his good impression of Tang Fei vanishes, and your debt of gratitude is repaid, then Tang Fei will be in danger."

"Yes," Phoenix said, worried.

Rumors are like knives, and gossip is like a sword. They kill without shedding blood. These people really wanted Tang Fei dead.

Phoenix suddenly had a thought: Was it really the right decision to bring Tang Fei to New Star? Perhaps he could have lived freely in the Old Lands. He was like a lion, a tiger, a mountain king in the Hen Mountains. No matter how dangerous the situation, he could always resolve it with ease using his most skilled methods.

But this was New Star, Phoenix City—a completely unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar enemies. For him, would New Star be even more dangerous than the Old Lands?

"Next month is your seventeenth coming-of-age ceremony, and all the young elites of the Empire will be gathered here. Will you invite him?" Sheng Xinhuai asked curiously.

"Of course," Phoenix said. "He is my friend. He should be there to witness my growth."

"Hehe," Sheng Xinhuai smirked. "It’ll be lively, won't it? Shen Xinglan should be coming out of the White Heron Academy, right? Will Qin Jianyi take leave from the military to come back? And all the other guys who have designs on you... I really look forward to that moment."

"Sheng Xinhuai, you have bad intentions."

"My heart is natural, not installed later. If you don't believe me, touch it. It’s very soft."

"..."

—

The video of Tang Fei refusing Lu Yang’s challenge was originally only circulating within the academy, shared among class groups or friend groups. But soon, it began to spread across a wider world.

Major news websites and mainstream social media platforms began posting the video, and countless people flooded in to watch and leave their comments.

"The 'Light of the Old Lands' has become the 'Shame of the Old Lands.' Tang Fei uses despicable means to refuse his opponent's challenge..."

"Isn't this guy too shameless? If you want to refuse, fine, but why force someone to drop out? It took so much effort and heart for that person to get into the Imperial First Military Academy..."

"June snow, Lu Yang is innocent... If he gets kicked out of school, he’s finished..."

—

Clearly, under the guidance of those with ulterior motives, Tang Fei’s reputation had plummeted to the extreme. Many felt that Lu Yang was the victim; Tang Fei could have refused, but stepping forward to force a penalty and demanding someone drop out was a low-handed act.

"Do you know why Tang Fei is so arrogant? Because he’s from the Old Lands."

"He got into the Imperial First Military Academy through his connection with the Princess... We were all there when the Princess took him for the assessment."

"What? You’re asking why a high-and-mighty Imperial Princess would guarantee a refugee from the Old Lands entry into the Phoenix Empire’s most prestigious university? Well, that’s a story about the love and hate between a refugee and the Princess..."

"I heard Tang Fei saved the Princess’s life, and they had a thing back in the Old Lands."

"They even have a child, a daughter, with the surname Zhong. Tang Fei has married into the royal family, becoming the first consort of the Phoenix Empire."