Chapter 117: The Rebellious Girl

If this project succeeds, the Saint Martial Hall will be able to elevate human abilities to an unprecedented level. However, the experiment carries immense risks. Over the past several decades, Saint Martial Hall has selected five groups of experimental subjects, each consisting of a hundred orphans with superior physiques. Yet, to this day, only Zhuo Yuqing has progressed smoothly according to plan.

The others either died or became mentally incapacitated or disabled. Therefore, Zhuo Yuqing holds extraordinary significance for Saint Martial Hall. They must observe her growth closely to gather invaluable data for the project’s research.

Because no mistakes could be tolerated, Zhuo Yuqing’s childhood was never like that of an ordinary girl. Saint Martial Hall protected her as if she were a precious treasure, providing the best living conditions but severely restricting her freedom. It wasn’t just that she couldn’t make friends easily; even what she ate every day was dictated by a nutritionist. On the surface, she appeared to be a little princess enjoying a privileged life, but in reality, it was far from that.

It was precisely these twisted conditions that shaped Zhuo Yuqing into a proud, unruly, radical, and unique young woman.

What troubled the high-ranking officials of the research department at Saint Martial Hall was her fierce rebellious spirit from a young age. To resist their deprivation of her freedom, Zhuo Yuqing frequently played pranks. One day, she broke a pillar in the main hall, claiming it was a whim to test the power of a newly learned combat technique. The next day, she sneaked into the smelting department and secretly added foreign materials into the smelting equipment, causing the items to be ruined. In short, her mischievous ideas were endless and unpredictable, causing chaos throughout Saint Martial Hall. Although they were exasperated and amused, they dared not punish her too harshly because of her special status.

Zhuo Yuqing’s constant mischief exhausted Saint Martial Hall, and eventually they decided to allow her occasional trips outside to Miracle City to play. However, no matter where she went, she was always followed by someone.

Zhuo Yuqing had run away several times but was always caught and brought back. This time, however, she ventured the farthest, even reaching the Azure Continent. Fortunately, Saint Martial Hall possessed special means to locate her no matter where she fled, even to the ends of the earth.

During the pursuit, those sent by Saint Martial Hall discovered evidence that this valuable test subject had fiercely battled high-level demon beasts in the Forest of Terror. This revelation made them break out in cold sweat. They owed a debt of gratitude to Luo Chen and Ailie, for without their intervention, Zhuo Yuqing might have fallen victim to the demon beasts, and all their efforts would have been in vain.

However, they also worried that such repression could affect her growth. Therefore, they decided to grant her a rare two-month leave. Unexpectedly, Zhuo Yuqing took advantage of this leniency and pushed her demands even further.

An elderly bald man slammed the table in anger. “Damn it! Yuqing is utterly reckless, daring to threaten us like this! Let us not forget, she was once just an orphan. We took her in, provided her with the best life and the finest martial training opportunities. She is ungrateful enough, but to be so rebellious is intolerable!”

This bald elder was Lei Zhe, a Celestial endowed with the power of lightning. His temperament was as volatile as thunder and lightning. Though advanced in years, his fiery spirit remained undiminished.

A blue-robed elder countered calmly, “Let’s not jump to conclusions. Though Yuqing is sometimes disobedient, she wouldn’t go this far. Perhaps she’s been pushed to the brink. We should give her more time and try to persuade her sincerely. She might change her mind.”

This elder was Bail Wen, a water-element Celestial, known for his gentle and mild demeanor.

The third elder, Lu De, voiced concern, “I fear persuasion won’t work this time. According to Xiao En, Yuqing’s attitude is extremely stubborn, as if she’s bent on a do-or-die course. If we don’t agree to her terms, she would rather die!”

“That’s absolutely unacceptable! Our research institute at Saint Martial Hall has labored for so long, and only Yuqing has succeeded among the subjects. She must not come to harm!”

“But we can’t grant her freedom either; that would render all our efforts meaningless.”

Douglas, the Celestial who first received the news, said, “Xiao En also mentioned that Yuqing intends to associate with a boy named Luo Chen from the Blue Emperor Academy on the Azure Continent!”

“What?” Lei Zhe exploded in rage. “Does she not know that the cultivation method she follows forbids any relationship with boys?”

Douglas cautioned, “Calm down. Yuqing hasn’t crossed any major lines yet. She has only expressed interest in Luo Chen. However, their frequent interactions recently are worrisome.”

“That’s easy to solve!” Lei Zhe’s eyes gleamed with a murderous light. “Just have someone eliminate that Luo Chen. End it once and for all to prevent future trouble!”

“Old Lei, don’t always resort to brute force. Strength can’t solve every problem. Yuqing said if anything happens to Luo Chen, she would die too!”

Lei Zhe grunted but stubbornly replied, “I refuse to believe she could fall so deeply in love with someone she barely knows.”

“That’s true. She wouldn’t love Luo Chen so blindly as to risk her life,” Douglas said slowly. “Yuqing’s actions are simply a way to test our stance through this boy. This means the situation hasn’t reached its worst, nor is it beyond negotiation. After all, if she were to completely betray us, death would be the only outcome. Yuqing is intelligent and fully aware of this.”

Lei Zhe impatiently snapped, “Douglas, stop beating around the bush. You know I’m impatient. What exactly is she testing us for? Speak clearly!”

“Yuqing wants us to grant her more freedom,” Bail Wen interjected. “It’s what she has been asking for all along.”

Douglas nodded. “Exactly.”

“Freedom!” Lei Zhe bellowed. “If we hadn’t taken her in and nurtured her, she might not even be alive now. How can she talk about freedom?”

“Old Lei, it’s useless to argue now,” Douglas said with displeasure. “The urgent matter is how we solve this problem. Everyone, what do you think should be done?”

The hall fell into silence. After a moment, Lu De said, “Monroe, if Yuqing’s attitude is really as stubborn as you say, it will be difficult. We all know her temperament well.”

Bail Wen agreed, “Indeed. If she dares to speak like that, she can carry it out. We must be careful not to push her too far.”

Douglas continued, “I understand. Yuqing must not come to harm. We must devise a solution that soothes her emotions and satisfies her to some degree, while allowing our plan to proceed. As for Luo Chen, he is likely just a tool Yuqing is using to test us. There is no need to deal with him. Moreover, I have developed some interest in him because Xiao En said this boy carries an aura somewhat similar to ours.”

The high-ranking officials responded in unison, “The aura of a Celestial?”