Translator: ryuxenji Editor: H2dH2mr
Translator: H2dH2mr Editor: H2dH2mr Thunder King Qiao Ting's recent days had not been easy. Although he had known that his defeat in the battle with Lingtian would definitely have some impact, he had not expected the impact of his defeat to be so great, so great that he was almost unable to bear it.
The few vice regiment commanders of Leiting who had initially been extremely respectful towards him had begun to treat him with disdain, openly and secretly hoping that he would voluntarily step down from his position. The few main battle clan captains he had brought up with him had also begun to oppose him in secret. In the eyes of the normal clan members, Qiao Ting could even see some dissatisfaction and distrust.
If he lost, would he be consigned to eternal damnation? Qiao Ting was a proud person. Since Leiting could no longer tolerate him, he would simply resign from his position as regiment commander. If not for the fact that he still wanted the chance to represent Leiting in a battle with Lingtian next year and wanted to personally wash away this humiliation, he would definitely have resigned completely and left Leiting immediately …
However, Qiao Ting could not have imagined that resigning from his position as regiment commander of Leiting was not the end of the matter. Very soon, a rumour began to circulate within the military academy, saying that when he had been the regiment commander of Leiting, not only had he bullied his talented and outstanding juniors so that they could not stand out among their peers, he had also abused his power to support his own people. Moreover, he had also implemented high-handed policies to suppress all opposing opinions, causing the Leiting Mecha Clan to be filled with complaints and resentment.
Under the incitement of others, Qiao Ting's reputation fell again and again. Now, as long as Qiao Ting walked out, he would be able to feel the disdainful gazes of the people around him. There were even quite a few who were gloating over his misfortune.
Qiao Ting was not a stupid person. After some investigation, he found out that this was the doing of the current regiment commander of Leiting. Qiao Ting did not feel too angry, just a little disappointed. In order to completely replace his position, the other had actually used such underhanded methods. How could such a person lead Leiting to the next level? Thinking of that exceptionally capable and callous regiment commander of Lingtian, Qiao Ting began to worry for Leiting's future.
When he thought of Ling Lan, Qiao Ting felt extremely conflicted. It was not only because he had lost to Ling Lan, but also because of Ling Lan's ability to control her subordinates. Ling Lan's way of doing things was actually the same as his, extremely domineering. Yet, his subordinates, while outwardly very obedient on the surface, secretly had their own plans and schemes. In contrast, those few regiment commanders of Lingtian all wholeheartedly believed in Ling Lan. Even if Ling Lan made some kind of wrong decision and brought great losses to Lingtian, Qiao Ting believed that those regiment commanders would only complain about their own shortcomings and would not be dissatisfied with Ling Lan in any way.
Was this the king of creation, not the king of preservation? To be honest, Qiao Ting was very envious of Ling Lan. He envied the other for being able to make any decision as she pleased, never having anyone to check her. Meanwhile, even when he was at his proudest and most glorious moment, for the sake of the big picture, he would still compromise. If possible, Qiao Ting also wanted to be like Ling Lan, a king of creation, holding everything in his hands.
What Qiao Ting did not know was that although Ling Lan was the first regiment commander of Lingtian, Ling Lan had always been a hands-off general, leaving everything to the other three regiment commanders. This attitude of absolute trust and not using people when they were suspicious was also the biggest reason why Wu Jiong, Li Yingjie, and the others wholeheartedly supported Ling Lan … since you trust me one hundred percent, I'll return the favor a hundred times over.
Despite all the rumours circulating within the academy, Qiao Ting was as usual. After finishing the mecha group training, he brought his battle clan to the canteen for a meal. The moment he entered the canteen, just like before, the noisy canteen suddenly fell silent, and then whispers broke out. Quite a few people began to whisper among themselves — the heat of the rumours about Qiao Ting had not died down.
With his sensitive ears, Qiao Ting of course could not avoid hearing some of the rumours about him. Having heard so much already, he had become very calm. He walked expressionlessly into the canteen, found an empty table, and sat down.
"Boss Qiao, I'll bloody go teach them a lesson." The members of Qiao Ting's battle clan were not as calm as Qiao Ting. His face was full of indignation, his fists clenched, wanting to teach these juniors a lesson for being disrespectful to their seniors. Those who understood Boss Qiao knew that most of those rumours were false.
"What's there to teach them a lesson for? In this world, the winner has always been king. Since we've lost, it's normal for others to mock us, "replied Qiao Ting calmly. In the past, he had been arrogant and domineering, but because he had stood at the peak, even if there were people who were unhappy with him, they would hide it in their hearts and not dare to show it. Now that he had fallen from grace, it was normal for those who were unhappy with him to take the opportunity to step on him a few times. If he got angry over these people, he would not be able to live. Qiao Ting smiled self-deprecatingly. These three months had actually smoothed out some of his sharp edges, and he now knew how to comfort himself.
"So what? Boss Qiao, you're still the strongest mecha operator in the academy!" The team member who had been dissuaded could only sit down angrily, grumbling unhappily.
Qiao Ting did not say anything. So what if he was the strongest mecha operator in the academy? Everyone could only see that he was down and out now — who would ever think about the strength he possessed? It was laughable just thinking about it. He was an ace operator, but he was actually being mocked by these weaklings who were not even special-class operators. However, it did not matter. As long as they could get through the Mecha Grand Tournament, the enrolment for the divisions would begin. Once they passed the assessment, they would be able to leave the academy, and then the chaos here would have nothing to do with them.
Perhaps because the gazes of the bystanders were too piercing, Qiao Ting's battle team had no interest in continuing to stay here. They hurriedly finished their lunch and prepared to leave the canteen. The group had just reached the door when another large group of people rushed in from the main entrance. The leader of the group was a stern-looking youth dressed in a white military uniform — it was the frosty Ling Lan.
Ling Lan being able to become dux in her second year was actually a bit of a joke. Due to her absence from the first year's physical fitness course, Ling Lan actually did not have the right to be dux. In the end, Zilong, who had the best results, was elected. Unfortunately, Zilong immediately went to the instructors and asked to give up, because he admitted that he was no match for his boss. The first place Zilong refused to be dux, so the instructors could only choose Wu Jiong, Luo Lang, Li Yingjie, and the others. Unfortunately, Wu Jiong and the others also refused to be dux …
In the end, all of the top students had refused, because these students were all members of the Lingtian Mecha Clan. If their boss did not want to be dux, would they dare to?
This also caused the instructors from the other specializations to make fun of the second year's Mecha Piloting faculty, saying that no one was willing to be the dux of the second year's Mecha Piloting faculty. This angered the instructors of the Mecha Piloting faculty, and so they made a shocking move — they threw the seat of dux to Ling Lan, who had no results at all. Since those students all thought that Ling Lan could be dux, how could they, as instructors, refuse?
Just like that, Ling Lan became the only student in the military academy who had no results but had been able to sit on the seat of dux, creating history once again. Although Ling Lan had not wanted to create this history at all …
When Qiao Ting saw Ling Lan, his steps slowed. The two of them slowly drew closer, and just as they were about to brush past each other, Ling Lan suddenly stopped. Qiao Ting reflexively stopped as well.
The two of them faced each other. This rare sight caused the canteen to fall silent. Everyone stared at the door, wondering what would happen when Ling Lan and Qiao Ting met …
"Senior Qiao, how have you been?" Ling Lan was the first to speak.
Qiao Ting sneered, "What, you want to see a joke too?" Senior Qiao? It looked like the other already knew that he was no longer the regiment commander of Leiting.
"Senior Qiao, what kind of joke do you have to see?" Ling Lan raised an eyebrow in surprise, as if not understanding the meaning of Qiao Ting's words.
Qiao Ting did not answer, but the coldness on his face deepened. Right now, the entire school was talking about him — he did not believe that Ling Lan really did not know anything about him.
"It's rare for our military academy to produce an ace operator. I don't know what kind of joke Senior Qiao has to show others," said Ling Lan calmly, ignoring Qiao Ting's frosty expression.
Ling Lan's words caused Qiao Ting's gaze to narrow. He stared intently at Ling Lan's eyes, trying to discern the true meaning behind her words. Unfortunately, Ling Lan's eyes were unperturbed, calm to the extreme — he could not discern anything at all.
Since he could not tell what Ling Lan was planning, Qiao Ting did not want to play games with Ling Lan. He asked straightforwardly, "You didn't stop here just to say a few words to me, did you? Speak, what do you want?"
Ling Lan did not want to waste any time on pleasantries, so she went straight to the point. "Senior Qiao, I want to work with you."
"Work together?" Qiao Ting was stunned, but he also found it very funny. "Do you think that we can still work together?" The person who had pulled him down from the clouds and kicked him into the mud, making him lose all face and dignity, actually wanted to work together? Did he, Qiao Ting, look like a fool?
"Why not?" said Ling Lan bluntly.
"Tell me, would I help someone who made me lose everything? Am I that stupid? "asked Qiao Ting angrily.
"Help me? Senior Qiao, you're thinking too highly of yourself. " Ling Lan's expression suddenly darkened, and the temperature of the entire canteen instantly dropped by several degrees, making everyone shudder involuntarily.
"If I don't help you, then should I be helping myself?" Qiao Ting smiled coldly. Compared to the others, Ling Lan's cold aura did not affect Qiao Ting at all.
"Exactly!" said Ling Lan bluntly.
Qiao Ting's eyes narrowed, and a dangerous aura washed over him. Ling Lan's laughable words had indeed angered Qiao Ting.
"In the Mecha Grand Tournament, if you can become the champion of mecha combat, it will definitely be quite beneficial for your development in the military. Senior Qiao, would you consider working together?" Ling Lan was completely unfazed by Qiao Ting's anger; she calmly said these words.
When these words came out, those who heard their conversation could not help but draw in a sharp breath. They looked towards Qiao Ting, waiting for his answer. If it were them, they would not be able to resist this temptation at all …
Qiao Ting was taken aback. He was silent for a few seconds, as if considering the deeper meaning behind Ling Lan's actions. Not long after, he asked, "Why me?"
Ling Lan replied calmly, "I don't want to continue being the perpetual number two. Since this is a matter for everyone in the academy, why should our Lingtian shoulder it alone?"
Ling Lan's words rendered Qiao Ting speechless for a moment. Ling Lan also did not expect to get an immediate answer from Qiao Ting, so she said, "There are still five days left. I hope you can give me a good answer by the end." That said, Ling Lan made to walk past Qiao Ting.
At this moment, Qiao Ting suddenly asked, "And if I don't accept?"
Ling Lan whipped her head around, her sharp gaze shooting straight at Qiao Ting, making Qiao Ting's heart clench.
"Could it be that after losing once, Senior Qiao has lost all his ambitions? Or perhaps, you're afraid of losing in the Mecha Grand Tournament and losing face outside? "said Ling Lan sharply, a trace of mockery on her lips.
At these words, Qiao Ting's eyes narrowed, rage burning in them. It looked like Ling Lan's words had provoked him.
"I'm afraid of losing? Ling Lan, are you underestimating me too much? " Qiao Ting squeezed out each word through gritted teeth, his fists clenched tightly. It was clear to see that he was indeed angry.
"Then it's a deal!" Ling Lan raised her eyebrows, replying with a half-smile, and then led the Lingtian people into the large canteen.
The team member beside him waited until Ling Lan's group had left before saying ecstatically, "Boss Qiao, that's great! This is a great opportunity! If we can become the champion of the Mecha Grand Tournament, when we come back, no one will be able to gossip about us anymore. Even if we enter an army division, we will be valued by the upper echelons of the division because of this result."
Qiao Ting smiled wryly at these words. He shook his head, not replying to the team member's words.
That team member's expression changed. "Boss Qiao, are you going to refuse?" This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Qiao Ting sighed and said, "No, I'm just annoyed that I accidentally fell for Ling Lan's goading. This punk …" Unknowingly, the other had seized the initiative, and Qiao Ting had carelessly jumped in himself.
Hearing Qiao Ting's words, the team members recalled their earlier conversation and were enlightened.
Qiao Ting turned back to look at that dazzling, aloof youth. He believed that as long as he remained in the academy, the number one faction would definitely not fall to anyone else. Leiting's future days were likely going to be difficult.
After Ling Lan and the others left Qiao Ting, they went straight upstairs and entered the private room. Li Lanfeng, Zhao Jun, and the others were already waiting inside. Li Lanfeng waited for Ling Lan to sit down before saying with a smile, "Congratulations on taking down the Thunder King Qiao Ting."
Ling Lan glanced at Li Lanfeng. That sharp gaze made Li Lanfeng almost unable to maintain his smile. Li Lanfeng could only retract his smile and say, "What, did I say something wrong?"
"Mm, don't smile if you don't want to." Ling Lan frowned. "It's too fake." Why was Li Lanfeng like this? Recalling that Li Lanfeng had once said that he hated the Thunder King, she said comfortingly, "Leopard, Qiao Ting is just a collaboration. After the collaboration, we will still be rivals. It's impossible for us to become friends."
At these words, Li Lanfeng instantly burst out laughing. Ling Lan sighed softly — this was the normal Li Lanfeng. It looked like Li Lanfeng really hated the Thunder King. Who knew what past they had in the past … Ling Lan decided to have Little Four look into it.
"Why did you choose to goad him?" Li Lanfeng, who had returned to normal, asked. Due to this round of goading, Qiao Ting's initially gloomy state had lessened considerably. Once Qiao Ting pulled himself together, he would definitely grow rapidly. They could only be rivals. If Qiao Ting grew too quickly, it would be extremely disadvantageous for them.
"Isn't it very interesting to have such an opponent?" Ling Lan's eyes flashed. "Besides, I think that for such an outstanding ace operator like the Thunder King to grow quickly, the ones who should feel uncomfortable shouldn't be us, but our enemy nations!"
Li Lanfeng's entire being shuddered. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, his gaze dark and unreadable. In the end, he exhaled and said in a low voice, "Rabbit, I was wrong."
Even if the Thunder King was the destined king, how could he try so hard to destroy the other just because of this?
"Rabbit, train me hard! I want to become strong!" Li Lanfeng's eyes blazed with fighting spirit. Ling Lan's lips quirked slightly — this kind of leopard was the leopard of the past …
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