CHAPTER 221: CHAPTER 221: MISERABLE MILITARY CAMP (2)_1

Liu Qian found Shangguan You’s tender skin particularly appealing.

"I’m Yang Qian. You can call me Sister Qian. Youyou, Zijin, come with me," Yang Qian said with easy familiarity, then led the two to her room.

The room wasn’t very large, but it was clean and tidy. It contained three beds, a desk, a wardrobe, and a few pots of cacti on the desk. The dormitory, originally quite spacious, now seemed a bit cramped with the addition of two people.

"Do you need help with anything?" Yang Qian asked with a smile, seeing the two struggling to organize their belongings.

"No need, thank you, Sister Qian," Shangguan You replied, smiling at Yang Qian. Now that I’m here, I’m determined to be self-reliant in all matters.

"I’m fine too, thank you, Sister Qian," Yu Zijin said with a gentle smile, slowly starting to organize her things. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have come to this place even if it meant death. But during the fire a few days ago, I witnessed my own vulnerability. I was powerless against the flames, and I could only weep in despair. Then, seeing Shangguan You faint while trying to save others stirred an inexplicable desire within me to become stronger. I don’t want to be powerless when facing hardships again.

As for Shangguan You, who was two years her junior, Yu Zijin had initially been disdainful. Shangguan You was always competing, always striving to be number one. Even Yu Zijin’s own brother constantly had to compete with Shangguan Qing. But the great fire changed their perspectives, as well as those of their families. The long-standing feud between the Yu Family and the Shangguan Family was also settled.

So now, setting aside all past grudges, she wanted to become stronger. She wanted to be able to help Shangguan You when she needed it. I know this thought is absurd, she admitted to herself, yet it’s for this very ridiculous idea that I’ve come here with Shangguan You.

"Alright, then get settled in. If you need any help, just let me know," Yang Qian said with a smile before leaving the dormitory.

"Shangguan You, why did you come to the military camp?" Yu Zijin asked slowly, breaking the silence.

"Because I want to protect my family and become stronger. That’s why I came," Shangguan You replied, giving Yu Zijin a strange look. It’s odd that she’s speaking to me so amicably. Usually, our encounters are explosive.

"Why is it you protecting your family, and not your family protecting you?" Yu Zijin asked, raising an eyebrow. She sat on her bed, her expression puzzled.

"What if the Yu Family ceased to exist? Would you still be the Yu Family’s Princess?"

"The Yu Family gone? How could that be?" Yu Zijin’s voice unconsciously rose. I’ve often imagined that without the Yu Family, I would be nothing—just an ordinary person, so ordinary I couldn’t be more so.

"There are no absolutes. In the fire just a few days ago, if no one had rescued you all, the Yu Family would have ceased to exist, and the Shangguan Family would be gone too. So, who knows what the future holds? Only by becoming stronger can one protect what they wish to protect," Shangguan You said calmly, then went to fetch water. Here, I have to rely on myself.

Yu Zijin’s face turned deathly pale in an instant as the inferno from that day seared itself back into her mind. Even now, I can still feel the scorching heat inching its way across my skin.

Yu Zijin stared blankly at her right hand, at the skin now fully healed. She recalled Shangguan You’s anxious expression just before she herself had fainted, and a new determination filled her eyes.

Without the Yu Family, I am nothing. Therefore, the Yu Family doesn’t just need protection from our relatives; my brother and I also have to protect the Yu Family and our own family members. Perhaps that’s why Father sent us here, to be with the Shangguan Family’s children.

On their first day at the military camp, she and Yu Zijin both went to bed early in the dormitory. Liu Qian, who was on duty, didn’t return to the dorm. Seeing Yu Zijin sleeping soundly, Shangguan You took out some Enchanting Fragrance from her dimensional space. She lit it in the room and, with a flash, entered the space to absorb the purest and most abundant Spiritual Energy.

After circulating her energy for a full cycle, the Spiritual Energy in her body reached saturation. Shangguan You then entered the Medicine King Tower again to concoct Marrow Cleansing Pills, but no matter how she tried, every attempt ended in failure.

Looking at the pile of blackened dregs on the floor, Shangguan You felt a pang of heartache for the wasted Spirit Fruits. Spirit Fruits are plentiful, but they’re not meant to be squandered like this.

Shangguan You heaved a deep sigh, munched on a few more Spirit Fruits, and took a refreshing bath before emerging from her dimensional space. She opened the window, allowing the breeze to dissipate the Enchanting Fragrance from the room and clear its effects.

Shangguan You had just lain down when the door creaked open. Yang Qian appeared in the room and gently shook both of them.

"Youyou, Zijin, time to get up."

"Sister Qian, why are you here?" Shangguan You asked, rubbing her eyes and looking at Yang Qian with a bewildered expression.

"The reveille is about to sound! Get up quickly! If you’re late, Liu Dabao will definitely punish you." Yang Qian then shook Yu Zijin, rousing her from her slumber.

They had woken up fifteen minutes early, but they still shivered in the cold morning breeze as they stepped outside. It was 6:00 a.m., and the sky was barely light. On the parade ground, squads were already lined up, shouting cadences as they marched along their routes for morning drills.

"One, two, one... one, two, one..."

The sound of robust, energetic shouts filled her ears, instantly chasing away Shangguan You’s remaining sleepiness. Watching so many people in uniform run past in formation, she felt a surge of excitement, her blood stirring.

"Shangguan You, Yu Zijin! What are you dawdling for? Get over here, now!" Liu Dabao bellowed, his voice yanking their attention back. His face was dark, and a powerful, oppressive aura emanated from him as he stared them down.

"Youyou, over here!" Shangguan Qing called softly, urging Shangguan You to quickly come and stand in formation.

"Zijin, here!"

Feeling the intense pressure bearing down on her, Shangguan You’s scalp tingled. Did we make a mistake? We got up fifteen minutes early, but we’re still late! Enduring Liu Dabao’s intimidating gaze, Shangguan You and Yu Zijin quickly ran towards their squad, hastily falling in at the very back.