12: Chapter 12 Donghuang Train, Iron-Blooded Dormitory

Jiangcheng North Station was bustling with people in the early morning.

Carrying his gun case, Zhou Heng stood tall and upright, looking particularly striking in the crowd.

He soon spotted that equally conspicuous figure at the agreed-upon entrance.

Chen Ye was still dressed in all black, his gaze cold beneath his short silver hair, with a long saber strapped to his back.

But he seemed a bit different from two days ago; Zhou Heng keenly noticed that the "stay away" icy aura around this guy seemed to...

...have become more restrained?

It was no longer a bone-chilling cold, but rather like a famous blade returned to its scabbard—quiet, yet appearing even more dangerous.

"Ye Zi, not bad. Haven't seen you in two days and your skills have improved? Look at that style."

Zhou Heng walked over and habitually bumped him with his shoulder.

Chen Ye glanced at him, didn't dodge, and just said flatly, "You talk too much."

But did the corner of his mouth twitch up ever so slightly? Zhou Heng suspected his eyes were playing tricks on him.

"Let's go, Eastern Radiance Express. Let's experience the exclusive service of the Military Martial University." Zhou Heng waved the tickets in his hand.

Boarding Train K1688 through a special passage, the atmosphere inside the carriage was indeed different from a regular high-speed train.

Most of the passengers had a lean, tough aura and sharp eyes; many carried weapon cases, and one could occasionally see martial artists in various uniforms talking in low voices.

The air was filled with a faint scent, a mixture of metal and energy potions.

Zhou Heng and Chen Ye found their seats and sat down, placing the gun case and saber beside them. It didn't attract any extra attention; here, this was the norm.

The train started, speeding out of Jiangcheng as the scenery outside the window flew past.

A few young people in the adjacent seats, who also looked like freshmen, were discussing excitedly, their voices not loud but clear enough.

"Hey, did you see the 'Spark Eastern Radiance' forum? That Senior Wen Zhixia! SS-rank! Oh my god!"

"I saw it! She's basically a goddess! I heard she took down a Tier 3 Monster nest single-handedly right after enrolling last year!"

"Ink Wash Painting Seal, the Wen Family's 'Twelve Character Formula'... with a setup like that, even novels wouldn't dare write it!"

"If I could just say one word to her, I'd be willing to give up ten years of my life!"

"Give it a rest. Look in the mirror. You think you're worthy?"

Zhou Heng and Chen Ye glanced at each other, neither saying a word.

Wen Zhixia's fame was even greater than imagined.

The train headed north, crossing plains and gradually entering a somewhat desolate area where military outposts and fortifications were faintly visible.

Hours later, the announcement rang out: "Attention passengers, we are approaching Eastern Radiance Fortress Station. Please gather your belongings..."

Eastern Radiance Fortress Station was less of a train station and more of an extension of a small military base.

The platform was wide, with students in Donghuang Military University training uniforms and serious-looking officers bustling about everywhere.

Stepping out of the carriage, they saw a tall, dark-skinned young man wearing the uniform of a senior student from the Military Martial University.

He was holding a prominent electronic sign: [Donghuang First Military Martial University Freshman Reception].

The surrounding passengers getting off the train, whether they were martial artists or family members...

...all showed heartfelt respect and longing in their eyes upon seeing that sign.

"It's a student from Donghuang Military University!"

"So spirited! What fine young men!"

"If my kid could get in here in the future, it would be a sign of incredible fortune for our family!"

"Protecting the country depends on these young people!"

Seeing Zhou Heng and Chen Ye approach, the senior student's gaze lingered for a moment on the weapons behind them.

He gave a hearty smile. "Are you two freshmen? Welcome! Follow me, the school bus is over there."

The senior was quite talkative, introducing himself as he led the way: "My name is Zhao Fengcheng, a junior. You can just call me Brother Zhao."

"Don't let the school's name intimidate you; the atmosphere is actually quite good. There aren't many rigid rules; everything is determined by strength and merit."

"Of course, the training is brutal, so you'd better be mentally prepared."

They boarded a hovering bus emblazoned with the Donghuang Military University emblem and drove deep into the fortress.

Along the way, they saw massive training grounds, towering Yuan Energy Cultivation Towers, and live-fire ranges from which the sounds of explosions occasionally drifted.

There were also squads of students performing weighted cross-country runs or tactical drills; the air itself seemed permeated with the scent of iron and blood.

But just as Zhao Fengcheng had said, the atmosphere wasn't oppressive.

Students could be seen walking past with their arms around each other's shoulders, laughing, while others in roadside rest areas were intensely discussing tactics.

It was full of youthful vigor and invisible competitive pressure.

The dormitory area consisted of several tall, grayish-black buildings with sharp lines and a distinct military style.

But the internal facilities were unexpectedly good.

Each person had an individual room; though not large, it was fully functional, with excellent soundproofing and guaranteed privacy.

There was an alloy bed, a desk, a private bathroom, and a small Energy Induction Platform.

It could be used for basic yuan energy cultivation and skill practice.

"These conditions are great!" Zhou Heng put down his luggage and looked over his new nest. "Much better than the military barracks bunk beds I imagined."

Chen Ye's room was right next to his. He checked the environment and gave a slight nod of satisfaction.

Zhao Fengcheng laughed. "After all, this is a place for training top-tier martial artists; basic support is definitely provided."

"Alright, you two rest up and get familiar with the surroundings. There's a campus map and freshman guide in your terminals. Assemble at the playground at seven tomorrow morning for the opening ceremony."

After seeing Zhao Fengcheng off, Zhou Heng lay on the hard alloy bed. Despite the cold touch beneath him, his heart felt a bit fiery.

He took out his terminal and found the contact information for the recruitment officer from last time.

"Teacher Wang Feng... Tomorrow, I'll go ask about that 'Dual-track System'."

He murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Donghuang Military University—this first step had been firmly taken.