After Long Yuxue's domain expanded to cover nearly half the battlefield, the ice spikes surrounding her finally launched.
The moment they shot out, the spikes radiated outward in all directions. Although they weren't moving very fast, they grew in size at an astonishing rate.
'She's going all out!'
Gu You frowned slightly. With the force behind those spikes, even a standard Soul Emperor wouldn't be able to take a direct hit unscathed.
'Sorry, but I won't be holding back either.'
His eyes focused sharply. A terrifying chill erupted from his body. The surrounding temperature, already frigid from Long Yuxue's domain, plummeted rapidly toward an extreme.
This was no longer simply "cold." It was absolute zero—over 300 degrees below freezing. Even space itself was freezing.
At that temperature, even a Title Douluo above Rank 94 would have almost no chance of surviving.
It was an environment no living being could endure. In that instant, the countless ice spikes flying toward Gu You were themselves frozen over again—encased in another layer of frost—before falling sluggishly to the ground like fragile crystal rain.
At the same time, a mechanical voice echoed through the air.
"Zijin Wang, victory!"
In the grip of absolute zero, Long Yuxue perished without sensation...
Gu You disconnected from the Star Battle Network and crawled out from the cockpit of his battle pod.
"This battle network... doesn't it simulate real pain sensations?"
He suddenly tensed, a bad premonition surfacing in his mind.
Even a clean kill—instantaneous in the digital realm—didn't mean it was painless. Once pulled out, the residual feedback of dying in the virtual world would be reflected on the physical body.
'Technically speaking, dying in the spiritual realm is supposed to be the most painful…!'
Without a second thought, Gu You bolted out of the room and sprinted toward the corps quarters' Star Battle Network zone.
He arrived at the army's recreation zone, where rows of Star Battle pods were stationed.
Among the gathered crowd, he spotted Long Yuxue.
She had just exited one of the private cabins, face pale, her expression stiff. Since users couldn't wear clothing inside the pods, each one was housed in its own disinfected chamber for changing and preparation.
"You okay?" Gu You stepped forward in a single bound, placing his hand on her shoulder to sense the flow of her blood and qi.
'Please don't let her be frozen silly…'
Startled by the sudden contact, Long Yuxue flinched. Seeing that it was him, her eyes flashed with surprise.
She gave a faint shake of her head. "I'm fine."
"What did you do just now? I didn't feel much pain inside the match, but when I came out... I felt it all at once. It hurts everywhere."
Gu You paused, then leaned in and whispered a few words.
"What?! And you didn't tell me this earlier? Why would I even fight you if I'd known?! Do you know how much this hurts right now?!"
Just as her voice rose, Long Yuxue suddenly sensed the atmosphere around them was... off. She instinctively glanced up—and saw a large crowd of people staring at them.
There were more than a hundred people queued in line for the pods. Not a single one was speaking. All eyes were glued to the two of them. Some had wide eyes, others open mouths, while some wore deeply amused expressions.
"What's going on? Why are you all staring at us like that?" Gu You blinked in confusion.
In another part of the room, General Zhang Huanyun was in a very bad mood.
He had originally been feeling quite pleased. The Federation's new Star Battle Network, which he'd personally tried during a meeting at the capital, was an excellent development. Unlike previous simulators, the new tech included artificial intelligence and could accommodate even civilians. It was sure to elevate the combat readiness of the entire military.
As a three-star general and current commander of the Blood God Corps, Zhang Huanyun was a figure of immense authority. The Corps' standing in the military world was akin to the prestige of Shrek Academy in the world of Soul Masters. Many of the Federation's elite officers had risen through years of service in the Corps.
There were only thirty battle pods on site, and all users—regardless of rank—had to queue for access. This fairness was a rule he himself had implemented.
As the rule maker, he had joined the queue to lead by example and chat amicably with the soldiers. He'd spent the wait hearing about their experiences during the last Abyssal Tide. It had been quite fruitful, and his mood had been excellent.
But then, a young second lieutenant had charged in like a madman.
Zhang Huanyun had tried to block him, but the youth had barreled straight through and sent him stumbling.
'Utter disgrace!'
He was a Limit Douluo, a Four-Word Battle Armor Master—one of the most powerful beings alive. But even so, he couldn't ignore such blatant disrespect. Especially not within his own Blood God Corps!
Now, he stared at the very same young man again. And the girl next to him—he recognized her as well. That was the daughter of his vice-commander, Long Tianwu!
Long Yuxue, having finally noticed the general's presence, immediately paled. Her hand reflexively flew to her mouth in alarm.
She hadn't seen him earlier, but now—of all places—here he was.
"Greetings, Commander!" She snapped to attention and saluted.
Gu You, slightly dazed by her reaction, quickly withdrew his hand from her shoulder and turned toward the imposing figure.
Three gold stars. There was no need for guesses—this man could only be the commander himself.
He straightened up and saluted sharply.
Zhang Huanyun's brows arched as his gaze fell on Gu You.
"Name?"
"Gu You." His voice was steady, his gaze level, as if he were completely innocent of any wrongdoing.
"You don't know the rules here? Why didn't you queue up like everyone else?" The general's tone remained calm.
"Reporting, Commander. I had just finished a match in which I encountered Lieutenant Long Yuxue. The battle ended with a technical issue, and I feared for her physical condition in the pod, so I came rushing over."
"A match? You weren't here just now, so how were you in a match? Wait… Blood God Camp?" His eyes dropped to the crimson rose emblem on Gu You's Blood God Ring.
"Yes, sir. Gu You, external member of the Blood God Camp."
"Hmm. Good. The Blood God Camp produces only heroes—but never those who ignore rules. Even if you're one of them, if you've broken the rules, you'll be punished the same as any soldier. Do you accept this?"
"I do not."
Silence.
He said what?
'I do not?!'
(End of Chapter)
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