Above the Galaxy
Chapter 229 - 166, Beehive!

Chapter 229: Chapter 166, Beehive!

Loyal dogs come in two types: those who have nothing and those who have everything.

Tang Fei looked at Chen Tianqi and thought that he clearly belonged to the former category.

However, Tang Fei did glean some crucial information from his words.

First, Qin Shuang was obsessed with the Sword Dao.

Second, the sword technique practiced by Qin Shuang was called "Spring Snow."

With this, he was fairly certain that Qin Shuang had come to challenge him to a duel.

It wasn’t because she was coveting his body and attractiveness as an excuse to approach him...

Nor was it to avenge Qin Jianyi.

Perhaps such thoughts crossed her mind, but she was more eager to experience his stunning swordplay.

If she could defeat him in a duel, wouldn’t that restore the Qin Family’s honor?

How had Qin Jianyi described his sword strike to her?

Like a celestial descending from the heavens?

"Will you duel with her?" asked Chen Tianqi, seeing Tang Fei’s silent demeanor.

"What realm is she in?" Tang Fei inquired.

"I don’t know," Chen Tianqi shook his head, thought for a moment, and said, "I seem to have heard someone mention that when she first enrolled, she was already in the Tongyou Realm..."

"I won’t," Tang Fei declared.

Are all members from the nine major families freaks? Each one so young, yet their skills are so refined?

Apparently, they start selecting enhanced genes before they are born. Indeed, it seems this strategy is effective. Such children are born with strong genes and exceptional talent, bursting with immense energy in various fields.

In time, no one could shake the position of the nine major families.

It seems challenging to disturb their status now; otherwise, the royal family wouldn’t be so wary of them...

A mix of love and hate.

With that said, could he possibly play a role in this?

Who were his real enemies? The Royal Family? The nine major families?

"Why not?" Chen Tianqi asked.

"Losing would be embarrassing, and if I win, she would not accept defeat and keep challenging me over and over again. Isn’t that annoying?" Tang Fei candidly revealed.

Chen Tianqi’s eyes sparkled, saying, "Wouldn’t that mean more opportunities to interact with her?"

Tang Fei, looking into his wise, little eyes, encouraged him, "You could challenge her and let her lose to your sword. That way, she would come back every day for more challenges. Who knows, maybe you could even develop a bond through the fights."

If Chen Tianqi busied himself with Qin Shuang, she wouldn’t bother Tang Fei anymore, and it might even help his roommate fulfill his wish of being a loyal dog.

Two birds with one stone, he really was a kind-hearted man.

"Brilliant," acknowledged Chen Tianqi, giving Tang Fei a thumbs up, excitedly saying, "I’ll go and challenge her right now."

"Wait," Tang Fei stopped Chen Tianqi, and asked, "I have another question for you. Do you know what the Heaven Path Exchange Conference is?"

"The Heaven Path Exchange Conference?" Chen Tianqi nodded, saying, "Sure, didn’t we fight tooth and nail against the Aus Empire? After the borders were set and relations eased, both countries organized this exchange conference to restart cultural and martial exchange..."

"I heard this exchange takes place every three years and only top scholars from the Empire’s elite schools can participate..." Chen Tianqi gazed suspiciously at Tang Fei, questioning, "Why do you ask? Is the Heaven Path Exchange about to start? Do you want to participate?"

"What are the requirements if I want to join?" Tang Fei asked.

"That depends on where it’s held... If it’s at White Crane Academy, all students can participate..." Chen Tianqi, seemingly enlightened, widened his eyes and asked, "Is the exchange conference going to be conducted at our academy?"

"That’s not for me to say," Tang Fei replied.

He got along quite well with Chen Tianqi and didn’t mind sharing some information in advance.

"I understand," Chen Tianqi patted his chest, gratefully looking at Tang Fei, and said, "I appreciate this favor. Don’t worry, I definitely won’t tell anyone."

"Tell anyone what? What have I said?" Tang Fei retorted.

"Hehehe, just saying," Chen Tianqi wasn’t in a hurry to challenge the goddess in swordsmanship anymore. Instead, he sat down with Tang Fei on the couch and even took the initiative to grab a frozen cola from the fridge for Tang Fei.

He had noticed Tang Fei liked this drink; he didn’t care much for other beverages but preferred hot tea instead.

"The Heaven Path Exchange is divided into cultural and martial exchanges; the cultural part naturally revolves around debating and discussing specific topics or academic subjects, sharing research achievements..."

"Of course, the ones who steal the show at each cultural exchange are the students from the Mechanical Department because whether it involves scientific discussion or the release of scientific results, it’s all text-based material that people generally find uninteresting... unless you can invent a technology more advanced than wormhole jumps..."

"But the creations of mechanics are different, whether it’s artificial intelligence or mechanical beasts, they leave a lasting impression... I heard every Heaven Path Exchange also features a big competition in mechanics..."

"As for the martial arts exchange, I don’t need to explain too much; it’s merely a contest of skills. Although each year, they preach about the importance of peace and friendship first, competition second, both the Aus Empire and our own country spare no effort in trying to secure first place."

"Both countries have been fighting for decades, and hatred is embedded deep within their bones. Now, although there’s no large-scale war, there are constant minor conflicts. Our seniors at Maritime College rely on this to establish their military exploits... The two countries can’t stand each other, each refusing to yield to the other..."

"How come I’ve never heard of this exchange event before?" Tang Fei asked. "I also rarely see it discussed online."

"Because this exchange event is very high-profile, targeting only the top academies of the two great empires...like our White Crane Academy, Fire God Academy, Nuwa Academy, and Future Academy..."

"I see, it’s an exchange and competition among the top students."

"That’s basically the idea," Chen Tianqi approved Tang Fei’s description and said, "As everyone wants to win, they send their best youth to participate in this event... In the end, it has turned into a major competition of strengths between the top academies of the two countries..."

Tang Fei looked curiously at Chen Tianqi and asked, "How do you know all this?"

"I have many friends," said Chen Tianqi proudly. "What do you want to inquire about? Give me three days, and I guarantee I’ll get you a satisfactory answer."

"Really?" Tang Fei’s eyes lit up.

"Of course."

"Then, help me find out what path the Dean follows," Tang Fei said.

"The Dean’s path? What path of the Dean?" Chen Tianqi was confused.

"Forget it; I’ll figure it out myself," Tang Fei felt that Chen Tianqi was not at the same level as him and the Dean, waved his hand, and said, "Go and challenge Qin Shuang to a swordfight, don’t let others get ahead."

"Alright, I’m on it," Chen Tianqi stopped dwelling on the question of ’path’ and took a long sword and left.

Tang Fei sat on the sofa, pondering about the Sky Path Exchange event, which consists of written and martial tests.

For the martial test, with Shen Xinglan being a formidable contender, he didn’t stand a chance to shine.

But for the written test, perhaps there was a way.

Topics like academic discussions and research were not his forte, but maybe he could make an effort in the contests among Mechanics?

After all, he might be the best Mechanic in White Crane Academy.

The Mechanical contest was his responsibility.

Tang Fei thought of Lu Siyu, that young lady still owed him a favor...

Her White Tiger scared him, and she must take full responsibility for it.

As for her relationship with the old man, Tang Fei hadn’t asked, but he could roughly guess.

-------

Inside the Phoenix Palace, there is a secluded small building.

Few people know what this building is for, as anyone approaching it would be blocked by the members of the Imperial Guard.

Even Royal Family Members are no exception, it is said that the Second Prince, once driven by curiosity, tried to explore it but was intercepted by the guard.

The Second Prince was furious and struck the guard.

Zhong Daolong punished him to kneel for three days...

Chen Fenglei sat in a taishi chair made from rosewood, leisurely sipping the Golden Sparrow Tongue freshly delivered from Nanyu City.

A man from the dark night walked in briskly, bowed respectfully to him, and said softly, "Grand Steward, Ling Yunxiao has been found."

Chen Fenglei was the Grand Steward of Phoenix Palace; although he cowered and smiled all day in front of Zhong Daolong, doing servant tasks like serving tea, pouring water, laying out food, and changing clothes, appearing as if his back never straightened.

However, no one in or out of the palace dared to underestimate him; even the Princes and Princesses were always courteous in front of him.

Chen Fenglei sipped the tea and carefully savored the delicate aroma of the Golden Sparrow Tongue before saying, "After casting such a wide net, we finally saw the fish’s tail... You didn’t alarm anyone, did you?"

"No. The worker bee found his trace and reported it to the Beehive immediately without any actions."

"That is very good," nodded Chen Fenglei and said, "Have the worker bees secure the perimeter. If anyone dares to come and rescue, they are to be killed without exception."

"Yes, Grand Steward."

"Also, inform the drone bee to accompany me to fetch the person," Chen Fenglei said.

"Grand Steward, are you personally participating in this mission?" The middle-aged man asked in surprise.

He knew that Chen Fenglei, due to his special status, had been responsible for remotely commanding the Beehive for many years, and rarely appeared in person to arrest people.

"Yes," Chen Fenglei nodded, his face grim, "This person must fall into our hands, and no one else can take him away."

"Yes," the man bowed in response.

"And those who are also searching for Ling Yunxiao..." Chen Fenglei paused briefly before saying, "Release smoke grenades saying Ling Yunxiao is preparing to leave Phoenix City... then deploy agents to leave traces at Phoenix Port..."

"If possible, capture a few alive for me... I do want to see who is competing with us for Ling Yunxiao... A bunch of reckless fools..."