Translator: CinderTL
As the Demonic Dragon Crystal's compatibility with his body continued to improve, Feng Qi gradually increased the intensity of his training.
The Scarlet Research Institute even designated a special area within the base solely for his training.
Years flew by in the blink of an eye.
While Feng Qi relentlessly pushed his physical limits in pursuit of strength, Mu Qing at Star City Academy approached her graduation season.
In the original timeline, Mu Qing left alone on graduation day.
This time, however, her friends insisted she stay for a wonderful graduation party.
During the event, Yang Xiaoxin, Cai Guo, and the others offered their best wishes for her future.
She had initially joined Star City Academy solely to fulfill her parents' dying wish, feeling no real attachment to the institution.
But this time, under the influence of Feng Qi—the "Butterfly"—history had already changed.
The Star City Academy graduation party was lively, with a variety of outstanding performances prepared in advance to bid farewell to the graduating students, many of whom were about to join research institutes or head to the front lines.
The entire school community—teachers and students alike—participated.
Many prominent figures from Star City came to show their support, the sports field blazing with lights that painted the sky crimson.
At that moment, Mu Qing and her friends from Combat Class Three gathered in a corner of the field.
Feasting on the specially prepared, lavish spread before them, they spoke of their futures.
"Senior Sister, come visit us when you have time, even though we'll be graduating in a year," Yang Xiaoxin said, her voice tinged with reluctance as she gazed at Mu Qing.
"I will. I'll visit whenever I can, and I'll bring you delicious treats then," Mu Qing nodded solemnly.
"Senior Sister, I want to eat domain beast meat."
"Senior Sister, I want some too, especially the meat from those powerful domain creatures. I heard their bodies are nourished by high-purity spiritual energy, making them especially delicious."
"Then I want some too," Xia Long and the others chimed in.
They knew Mu Qing wasn't one for eloquent speeches, but they also knew that whatever she said, she would always follow through.
Just as they were laughing and discussing what to ask Mu Qing to bring, a familiar voice called out from the side:
"Hey, you little brats who haven't even graduated yet—forgotten about me?"
They turned to see Lin Ran, who had already been admitted to the Tiger Soul Research Institute.
It had been nearly a year since he left, and they never expected him to return at this time.
"Lin Ran, why are you here?" Xia Long asked, his curiosity piqued.
"How could I not come to see Senior Mu Qing off at her graduation? I'll be back for yours too... Hey, where's Brother Qi? I don't see him anywhere."
"Over here!" a voice shouted from a distance.
They turned to see Feng Qi running toward them from afar.
The moment they saw Feng Qi, their eyes lit up.
In those days, Feng Qi had been the backbone of their group.
No one could have anticipated Feng Qi's sudden departure.
Now that they were reunited, memories of the past flooded their minds.
"Brother Qi, why are you so late? Huh... you've grown taller!" Lin Ran suddenly exclaimed in surprise.
Hearing this, the others looked closely and realized Feng Qi was at least a head taller than they remembered.
"Traffic was bad on the way. As for growing taller, the Scarlet Research Institute's food was too good. Good nutrition naturally leads to growth," he said with a grin.
"I can vouch for that—it was delicious. It's a shame we can't eat it anymore," Mu Qing said with a smile, raising her hand.
Looking at Mu Qing, he noticed she had changed significantly since they last met.
Over the past two years, her self-consciousness and reclusiveness had faded, replaced by confidence and cheerfulness.
"Long time no see, Senior Mu Qing," he greeted her with a smile.
"Long time no see," Mu Qing replied with a smile.
"What are you all just sitting around for? Let's eat! We're making an exception tonight and having drinks. I don't usually drink—alcohol clouds my mind, and that's bad for my Cultivation Technique Research," Lin Ran said as he sat down at the table.
Seeing this, Feng Qi also sat down.
Listening to the music of the evening party, the group chatted about the future under the moonlight.
Graduation season is always filled with the melancholy of farewells.
The conversation at the next table particularly moved Feng Qi.
"Live well. I don't want to hear any bad news about your death. You're my best brother at Star City Academy."
"Hey, how many of us graduating today and heading to the front lines will actually make it out alive? Do you know the death rate for academy graduates in domain combat teams? 23.23% in the first year, 18.24% in the second, 15% in the third... It's pointless to dwell on these things. The day I joined Star City Academy, I vowed to fight for humanity's rise. After joining a domain combat team, I'll just live one year at a time, earning one year at a time..."
Listening to the conversation at the next table, Feng Qi and the other students were deeply moved.
The fact that the death rate for graduating students who rushed to the front lines was astronomically high was undeniable.