Blazing Armor

DLobhXUppzzwKGITable of Contents

Chapter 109

On the road, Gong Yingxian couldn’t resist asking, “What did the doctor just say to you?”PLxXvlWLTgKgQVKluEoVLKrAJYPTRG

RQMhTcdSfCxMzRV

Ren Yi teased, “He said you were adorable as a kid.”BAJYYzRczIhxQresaUChXXeZCczuqr

AKqfVsYQQKehUjL

Gong Yingxian feigned anger, “Be serious.”xAjcRmjztYBfdNQStYbhfSgBLDohSz

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“What’s the matter? Is there something you don’t want me to know?”DRjDPyHEdvmtbTkhXpMnZgyhuLVFhQ

TFuuYDikwEZCiRx

“…No.”nPaacQuWnFIAJLmJhKXRempgvdHzoK

PJNFeGBdnojYshd

“Relax, it wasn’t anything important. The doctor just said I’m helpful to your recovery.” Ren Yi, though filled with anxiety and helplessness, didn’t let it show on his face. He could understand the protective instincts of Qiu Yan and Dr. Pompeii toward Gong Yingxian. After all, they were the ones who had witnessed his worst moments and stood by him through it all.pUqYwFqAYXIPVNRcNDekPASvHpGBVh

SmkYFErncpPJAqK

This only weighed more heavily on Ren Yi’s mind. He constantly doubted himself, wondering if he had made too many mistakes, even in daring to fall for Gong Yingxian. Perhaps that, too, was a mistake. Not to mention their current relationship, knowing it was wrong but still unable to resist the lure of desire, couldn’t help but stir worry for the future.WPiJnGlVHVjuLPqrWFeSSVPVCGzAMT

yBcVYspIdDmsmsT

Gong Yingxian was silent for a moment, then said, “There’s something I need you to help me with.”jwDFAIaqglqWxNhPujCEpJSOYHwfIW

MCAhYrbfHlimoHD

“What is it?”tGenQAODoBcKdRornRTfPBCPQBYoDO

uNzvfgbVHKAokNL

“Deep hypnosis.”bqCWvFbOsipRbyjLpiiHfIMafFMgFu

QZZHOORjwPIiOpR

Ren Yi turned to look at Gong Yingxian. “The doctor already refused.”AALZxGoMcVFOvaNGCclMfStmheXAiE

dEaJnCsqAEtZuxZ

“But I haven’t given up.” Gong Yingxian’s gaze remained steady, unwavering as he looked ahead. “Deep hypnosis can truly bring back a lot of memories one thought were lost. This time, I have more clues. I’m certain I can uncover more from my memories.”wvafmEOBtVTnpzygeUpRkHQQykoGzm

tFRCUWqYsdSHGJz

Ren Yi spoke in a low voice, “But the doctor said it’s dangerous, and I can’t help you. He’s already refused.”hLjVXvSsYXcktCEuHzFUYCpCLKoWmY

HcVpXqQvSttKmsI

“The danger of deep hypnosis lies in the memories—the things I fear most and the people closest to me. It’s easy for me to get trapped and not come back. But I’m not as afraid of fire as I once was, and during hypnosis…” Gong Yingxian glanced at Ren Yi, “with you by my side, I’d feel much safer.”GYTfbXYiCzcBypfQWVFCliVcNQyRRs

DwneiFGzkdxAxbU

Ren Yi stared at Gong Yingxian for a long time, his emotions complicated. “I… unless the doctor is confident he can protect you, I can’t just watch you take that risk.”YyCIMDCBBmMqqPZGjdNyfWnxTzQCei

hjgeQcappakupgj

“I’ll convince him. All you need to do is be there with me when the time comes.”OiRsqrNvieQgSUFOQkwedsXowTChzp

kANqlROSUBILmos

Ren Yi sighed softly. “Yingxian, I’ve tried to tell you many times—don’t push yourself so hard.”XvJoFdGzvtcjMGYGynYZmESVbqxLcH

tLfFEwqeCTdHutb

Gong Yingxian didn’t respond. He’d been too young back then, powerless to protect his family. It was the nightmare of his life. Now, he was strong enough and would never allow anyone to harm Ren Yi. He would do whatever it took to capture the purple flame.dvUnPtAJvhneJuFqsLAByPEUhgLYpM

DRpJqguMkpEYPHl

Whatever it took.FSvPdeCxQXdVPkRqKTQSOyeUZUOKyf

GsXomSTopIlqjjx

The car came to a steady stop at the unit’s entrance. Ren Yi unclasped his seatbelt. “Take care on your way, don’t stay up all night. If it gets too late, sleep at the station.”npWVcICVZGyfYEAYKABRGmfYmbBeBZ

hpuytXOpLRUnrAi

Gong Yingxian nodded.ZOXWcWfRvLwxByFhLOPwjUqXGtjwbQ

SLfMyTKYEhKAyam

Ren Yi still felt a tightness in his chest, but said nothing more and prepared to get out. Suddenly, Gong Yingxian placed a hand on his shoulder.jlGHVRLsvsazizESzLGtuYWdrYxmSL

UmRhTsNaciYzNIT

Ren Yi turned around, and Gong Yingxian leaned in, capturing his lips in a kiss.FQqYuSZUxduelegmsGwQJwDADSUYKs

BhQjaTtstpKtyhQ

Ren Yi’s eyes widened, clearly surprised.rdJgpgpOYZeBfCcIwcacplVHqUSyXf

CHHlfEHHhZIAHQK

Gong Yingxian rarely took the initiative. Most of the time, he was awkward and reserved, holding back his words even when his desire was written in his eyes. Ren Yi found that endearing in him.cEleEJeJaWFFxNKkNUWgqLmaqMSMMV

HqTUbEuKLAfLIto

The kiss was brief. Gong Yingxian pulled away and said softly, “Go back.”YyGaAUrtrJQLMNaLTgQPySDUInYvSC

uKjYClNuSsMjgtU

Ren Yi smiled faintly. “Why so forward today?”DWMVdNHOWGasehaCejZjCGvkHKLohJ

tEUUSiebFiiCnmX

Gong Yingxian’s lashes trembled slightly as he looked directly into Ren Yi’s eyes. “Can’t I?”KDbeUhVjdEISGhjZEEgZwZuHpeOAAF

LpQhBRKirxruRhq

“Of course you can.”oplBFyGncxYcngeJxxduDAtfgYHJzu

qjYyWKuvthSbpGA

Gong Yingxian’s gaze traced over Ren Yi’s features, taking in every detail of his face, knowing that all of it belonged to him. A thought stirred in his heart, and he asked, “Am I the only one?”caqjTyBDmNrzhELaRqInPALBLZXQXj

iFelVjTRPduaYOn

Ren Yi froze.tHDLJIQXPCXeBVoIRZiGFnUscRaGLX

yMeoWgXBKkwSyJC

With a firm tone, Gong Yingxian pressed, “I’m the only one, right?”OsZxxTGTHljlesIqtLWIDlYOhTqBwX

fFgyFxxaJswSFTa

Ren Yi was momentarily lost, unsure of what Gong Yingxian meant by those words.yRkcEmTKAPfukCAGlAMZKiSFDUPhpV

gaVijAGdYonvcGx

Seeing Ren Yi’s silence, a heavy feeling settled in Gong Yingxian’s heart, his breath unsteady. “I’m the only one who can do those things with you.”SbXTQrAlWcASTnWmuagWrbOeBjrFNH

mSbppLOSbegkYfO

Ren Yi realized that certain questions, if continuously avoided, would eventually spill over. He took a deep breath. “Yingxian, do you know what our relationship is right now?”ApjlOlOaFSZTRsVRjzIvcTPEStQbrY

SypEHnAMAdWXFxO

Gong Yingxian said nothing.NJeAxxUDzTkWtojlUXrqPYmbPGxuIu

KhOYhzZMeFaulob

Ren Yi struggled to explain. “Between adults, there’s a type of relationship that usually implies…”jXbYdyELzspneWLbzQAfjlXYWOoOXx

vWoAtAuSdKUAGwM

“A booty call. You don’t need to treat me like a caveman—I know what it means,” Gong Yingxian interrupted, anger flaring within him. “Are you saying that because of that kind of relationship, I can’t make that request?”oFmUPieAXfYbKIDNODbzpDsfrtmIXn

LhkSseRBZXyDPcF

Ren Yi looked down, at a loss for words. The truth was, Gong Yingxian didn’t need to make any request; Ren Yi had no intention of being close to anyone else. Secretly, he’d been pretending they were in a real relationship, unwilling to face the truth and have the illusion shattered.jzhnrtkmlZGRdPOSyWiEdbbLqhWRaj

auwMxbaqvzXNCqv

Ren Yi’s silence seemed like a confirmation to Gong Yingxian, who clenched his teeth. “You know I have a need for exclusivity, so…”vzKKxbSobTNgeqyrMZIiATQNKZjsAV

VjZVsoELiAIxjDE

“I know.” Ren Yi replied quickly. “Just as you want.” He opened the car door, ready to leave.nQjfWnqXNLbYDqFmSoHXMCfetmAMCQ

vnkLrFFYLftPbLp

Gong Yingxian reached out to grab him, but uncharacteristically, Ren Yi shook off his hand.UAbQFNQMcPlapPChosDuMBkNXUTBYS

FetodiNyHGtHCSY

The movement left them both frozen in place.oOoGckyiquPgdDhHWYNLWNNkaascNH

oNIJLYoBeuHWkdL

Ren Yi had always been gentle and understanding toward Gong Yingxian. Except for that one time when Gong Yingxian ignored orders and handled chemical containers, he’d never gotten angry with him.cOhCCJQUKJOjiVUJFDKuKZzJUtpyDq

hbUbbPaEzKRBIjQ

A wave of discomfort and even a hint of hurt washed over Gong Yingxian as he looked at Ren Yi in disbelief. “Are you mad at me?”cYGRnUiazpnBGehpVptiIEhWKwhgRy

uVssIKFjolbldxd

Ren Yi turned back reluctantly, trying to explain, “No, I’m just…” He looked at Gong Yingxian’s face but had no idea what to say.QXIyQYmZMSwWLDCulcnwpycHBPrHbo

wwxvsStvWrfauDL

“Is it that hard for you?” Gong Yingxian’s voice held a barely perceptible tremor. “Is it impossible to be with only me?”lhacRGlVtiHjEdfGxrzpXQMmFLQnWT

KCxEyzTilbJnbGj

Ren Yi gave a bitter smile. “What kind of person do you think I am? Someone who casts a wide net, flirting around?”xiGJNFHUfdaiGvcPbDTFvDidGjShVs

xMCFZrNtYlEjilF

Gong Yingxian couldn’t respond. He had always been bothered by Ren Yi’s past with Qi Xiao.hNMZPCGOKhpRhnwYEgpDcPoPOwLhSJ

yKugfLnNwrFbpzj

“Even if you don’t say it, I won’t be looking for anyone else. You can rest assured.” Ren Yi forced a smile. “I’m leaving.”yrDtnteVoAGvrymhuuXaNwBnrdHNoA

GIaaOhpYufTTjBr

But Gong Yingxian still held onto his arm, clearly unwilling to let go.dNSCjcfuqhHAXKYsoSSgSecpEZcTZa

WBMdwMMlvQYyanQ

Ren Yi emphasized, “Good night.”hUVwZFEBsZXnyZwcTQqrQymCDMxRLf

MvYbqDYMIZGOoEL

Suddenly, Gong Yingxian wrapped his arms around Ren Yi from behind, encircling him with an iron grip, holding him tightly, leaving no room to escape.LnrFwpRnITEuVqVzUzcqvmBacuAyvd

IoSwFAlxfcKKkEH

Ren Yi didn’t move at all.aWPwJxyRkRopHzMltBrzXNArGxmQUw

yHOigUqMnkcbjfv

In a low voice by his ear, Gong Yingxian murmured, “Don’t be mad at me.”KrKxVOnQZvlJsKhDQajgrERXhETAHh

rawrrCFmCUZwrGd

Ren Yi sighed, helpless. “Alright.” When Gong Yingxian clung to him like this, childlike in his dependence, it was all too easy for Ren Yi to soften.UbitCfgWfNhAJaROqQUtlLZHwGoNMv

UhbctllcOjOyBhM

“Promise me.”xhIciNxYRslVgaTsQoxMkIiAxfVRzR

iwLKRZLPjEEAUzT

“I promise.”XSXUNpLdtSElWasVCmGnSXFIzhosoY

YcWCahHtYiWkdUb

Gong Yingxian held him in silence for a while longer before finally letting go. Ren Yi got out of the car, waved back at him, and then turned to leave.vfHoiOunGXFZBMkdBRpgEwIgvlRODc

CqWZVHkuDzdjMPM

Gong Yingxian watched Ren Yi’s back until he disappeared up the stairs before driving away.crFvIObXTTKlvKvzjWYeKueqkwKUen

nACLnnkbCxkcImE

Ren Yi, on the other hand, lay restless and sleepless that entire night.AYdYkjAWYvAqVdBgRJJTXRkChPYBTG

TJNyeAkxGdTvIxi

Falling for Gong Yingxian had been his choice. Agreeing to Gong Yingxian’s demands was also his choice. Feeling wronged now would only seem petty; he was simply sad.gbBNtYzMovSOCWjQgZFHtbGyWKgTLv

IveUWFNSdFfGhmZ

Sad that what he felt for Gong Yingxian wasn’t fully returned—and he had known this all along, yet continued as he was. Yes, just sad, that’s all—IXCGxZEcbNDTTOjUPmmHwdtcibAZcO

ssAneUZsvYFczeR

Two days later, Ren Yi received a notice from the headquarters, summoning him for training. Every year there were various trainings and meetings he usually tried to find excuses to avoid. But having recently been reprimanded, he decided to play it safe this time and went to report as instructed.ICbWkgQpPOAtFRmeBXXursxmewAgrz

BfxhZBTIFVBCyZf

The training content was roughly divided into two categories: ideological and practical. Ren Yi despised the party lectures, where he would inevitably nod off. But sessions like special case analysis, squadron management and training, familiarization with advanced domestic and international technology and equipment—those were genuinely informative, and he didn’t mind listening.WBOnLUjJtoZSCuAZfONErOXLnBuMAm

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This time, it was the latter.IBHSSIJKVHqTOHWTnslleAyQJKXlZk

FBcVjmpqtVKxPVr

Among the selected captains was Yan Jue, who, after their previous encounters, had become friends with Ren Yi. Naturally, they sat together.EcSlJJlktcaVdDorycuZtKoeLwEbzh

xszSOZCpeZKOnBQ

Yan Jue glanced at him. “Didn’t sleep well, huh? Those dark circles are huge.”kLbjbiKbXajRTrWiIDhgxuyLoksOmE

QRlyMfZLBMmhFDC

“Oh, it’s been a quiet week with no emergencies, so I’ve just been up all night on my phone,” Ren Yi replied, casually brushing off his real worries—both the maniac still at large who wanted him dead and his tangled feelings. How could he sleep well with all that on his mind?nuypUejYHbIolfDiYWWBEpHAbDjNXx

sQfPaNfxcNQMRDP

Yan Jue chuckled. “You game too? Let’s play a round during the break.”NzjaMcFVRXznGjFtNHzEZuHojTPxDj

UAWRxDRqGhStKVk

Ren Yi laughed, “Sure, but how’s your skill level? If you’re bad, just give me a heads-up so I won’t roast you too hard.”gMGTsuXwSDlzmBKBuflTsKSMkXCcCV

sQECRlIOiLMdZLL

“Ha! We’ll see who’s roasting who.”IwgyTqOVQSrNbbcoubKRxOsOVvLiTi

GyyaoeABuEhWIJQ

Class began shortly after.mfynmmJhtkgObWnBVvnKbPocrxNRCK

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This training was a three-day course, covering firefighting-related theoretical knowledge and introducing advanced technology and equipment. Two topics particularly interested Ren Yi: the classic case study on cold storage fire management and a preview of new equipment set to arrive from Germany next year. Ren Yi planned to take good notes, hoping to secure a few extra pieces when the new gear arrived.VVBNSalgGYzcKwGXAewxJtGzREuGJs

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At lunch break, after grabbing a meal, Ren Yi and Yan Jue returned to the dorms and started a game.HTMTVjfkPZnaAqRwEiGfxLtWQVydwA

FVYKZrOOVbTeaHS

As soon as the screen loaded, Yan Jue burst into laughter. “What’s your username? What the hell?”eMGoJySVVoQumWNPMgEJrBdUvdaRBj

ceelOBwOgYJFExo

“Just call me ‘Goddess,’” Ren Yi smirked, eyeing Yan Jue. “Oh, a King level player, huh?”lKvCftrNaaBMJXZmcKvYgsAQMBBzpm

JlzYfEcVomyicsG

“Did you pick this name to balance out your real one?”AolszzFajxhulmqkVMVfBWmQoaTLmm

iWuNbRNIzZKLgUI

“Yeah. It wouldn’t feel right for a firefighter to have a name like ‘Four Fires.’ I have no clue what my dad was thinking when he picked it.”FfTAGeFDYztcVaFDYNNtbuhRjBfpiS

CMAVBFiQlNaTSAx

“Your old captain is a legend. He probably had his reasons.”aZKXfkXYECylsQCbbfEpXvpdPKZJqL

xnXyXwYENyddbqH

Ren Yi sighed, “It’s some superstitious nonsense about the five elements or something. I just don’t get it. Hasn’t he seen enough fire in this lifetime?”ACbCajlbnbZlUsUGptEqNADQbUNcne

MqghZAfXymklfdt

“Fight fire with fire,” Ren Yi quipped.awEIRJcxxVBSpMzKQzrxtfYyspMmYd

klnIAhhKCvAJMPw

The game began, and Sun Dingyi called out, “Captain Ren, how’s the training going?”DbfUEvSSDaeMgFFdukDWxsAexTzHhq

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“It’s great—three days without having to see you little brats. Peace and quiet.”AnRYXgrSEzFbuRhcridRURAxiYxbaY

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“Yet here you are, desperate to hear our voices and see our slick moves.”ozGTXThtqqTHbzHzawZzGXvJmoLiXO

HjVIfLBNsNiXYfY

“Cut the crap and get to mid-lane,” Ren Yi said, still focused on the game. “Oh, by the way, this is Captain Yan from the Special Ops team in the western suburbs. Yan Jue, meet my squad members.”eAWXhTQYBVlsaLNXPQnfDLFWSiFlcl

TWJGpcsOwELCKnt

“Hey, good to meet you,” Yan Jue chuckled. “Does your captain usually game with you guys?”nyLRDoVpiBVvrlxoQRgoMvyXYkogmW

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“Yeah, don’t you? It’d be boring without games at the squad.”KkIRBqZtLpQELwoThMSpMzlVBbIqSS

WlGuaPymQZeOeJJ

“I don’t play with my men,” Yan Jue said, muting his mic momentarily to speak to Ren Yi. “I have a different leadership style. I’m strict with my squad.”ucCwhLyLSRQOuBIwEZxgwFgimmojhe

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Ren Yi shot him a teasing glance. “Really?”ZpsXRvMkUJmrCufenfCiKTNiOfJgCX

PohVkyLpYeUYDaN

“Absolutely. They’re all scared of me,” Yan Jue smirked, lips quirking slightly. “It’s only with you that I’m this friendly. Touched?”yDUskOQbczmiEiQmIJVFRzWRYxnSZA

DUVBqNGVgAnhKaU

“Not even close,” Ren Yi laughed, calling out, “I’m stunned! Someone come save me!”QDaCkqvWRmQlERpVJwTiznpjvzXfiG

hhnPoAuMHABPiuY

Just as the battle hit its peak, Gong Yingxian’s call suddenly came through. Ren Yi’s hand slipped, and he hung up immediately. His heart raced—knowing Gong Yingxian’s possessiveness, he was sure the guy would overthink it. But abandoning the game at this point would let his squad down, and with Yan Jue beside him, he reluctantly decided to push through.nqbKEJaXFZHXMwsnmyRkvUKhzDvLgw

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The match dragged on for a good ten minutes.tAtZQkULQGEygKECNqdUkNRrjYCWpY

VPpfAHfHXrPTHTy

As soon as it ended, Ren Yi headed to the hallway and returned the call to Gong Yingxian.QMemyztrXBdmAqEvEzUdUXqDyCOTYH

ODiBREkUKPLIqkQ

When the call connected, Gong Yingxian didn’t say anything. Even through the silence, Ren Yi could sense his shifting mood and quickly tried to soothe him. “I’m here at headquarters for training. There were leaders around just now, so it wasn’t convenient to answer.”JRyuPQhXYSnUWEbwmRwHhWhHFiGfHQ

QbbziXNgWHKctUK

Hearing this, Gong Yingxian sighed in relief. “Oh.”oODdDLPpjgirZwcnSblafBUdbdhDfG

nmGPpBlEIglomlH

“Did you need something?”sgXcmnZwGJEtTmCUEwHGhSbWmaCOPm

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“Can’t I call without a reason?”VdQJlLHYUiHDnnMMZMLguaMMDbhYnF

qNiLfKsEoqXjwkz

“Of course you can.”sPmzdcWreHPNvlXVPpwIkORmcnCIFw

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“Why don’t you ever call me?”TFWHJpplPtrSSPPBWEgECwEtXLYkgc

AmAXEarLkrtlcIk

“I just… didn’t really have anything to say.”wmULoKpFGqXyxZHRYeqiOrnHfHtLXS

eCrOJZOGBAEkBRq

At that moment, Yan Jue popped his head out of the room. “Ren Yi, should we start another round?”gaZBkUqnZyiRnoiBraycOUWZfFOlIx

DYjgSrGcnZQArxD

Ren Yi quickly nodded and waved at him.FdbBxezbwpQrjyVpGQZGbdDWHWtBbj

kdFlbYQZPduZIcE

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Who was that? The voice sounded familiar.”IJqZzotXJQvemYnhDGmzdSkzkFxaLD

IlMHgvbdKWLdmRt

“Another squad leader.”aLgIgZfGPBacOnhektpzGIyvSKfnjX

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“…Was it Yan Jue?” Gong Yingxian seemed to recall the voice.hUZKCthQBufDzgaypmYrtiGsMHVeis

RiooWoYitLAQIhi

“Yeah, he’s here too.”dZgzPokOTZjkyHQkwfaudvBaTseyUT

eAvNmwocQkkuiHS

Gong Yingxian let out a faint, unimpressed sound. “Alright, then carry on.”yQFvPLnVvdmfHXTgRqWOKzFfPUaYCC

wmCtNBYKGPpuefR

“You can come visit,” Ren Yi offered. “I’m staying at the headquarters lodge. It’s safe here, so you don’t have to worry.”BtsRRIKAcYhdqZjiNXjoSuRIUgpAuC

iliwCRpSGhagaeG

“I’ll come.”KSpQTfomxkzIVXhYxfjrFojKGnxJvP

DdhqkRyCIjkpdld

Back in the room, Yan Jue had already started another game and, without looking up, remarked, “It was that officer Gong again, wasn’t it?”KzATmUyBnSbFCSHBHnVdXLPJiChuhq

TfxgwAjWQsuRwwI

“How did you know?”KWyEFQkUogSsVbHVNzyEgdeNQBvBcY

mKkrFxQWLJVbPiI

Yan Jue paused, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Your expression changes when it’s him.”xzhCDgofSqNIkzznGefMaZhQryMeyG

ZZnLEoSSzIcWHtO

Ren Yi’s heart skipped a beat as he instinctively touched his face.ZOSfGWkOXkaNvxAwItdFOabHXXBOzC

UtcNNkqpXvCAaTb

Was it really that obvious?oSvNmOzcKTbIlKFJWCzvSWVTqBmPaQ

SzaTGkxElqEQABJ

They gamed through the entire lunch break, and by afternoon, neither felt like attending class. Even with Ren Yi’s easygoing nature, he found himself particularly in sync with Yan Jue. It looked like the training over the next few days wouldn’t be so dull after all.uQiDUtsnWghdPDHlVobqZdUpdYTipj

FqVvyclIdwZoQwJ
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