73: Ambition and Crisis

Tu Nan's gaze shifted from the Children to Li.

"An opportunity?"

"...Karl connected me. He said there's a Family recruiting talent. They're holding an internal Arena Competition. If I participate, not only will I earn money, but if they favor me, I might even be promoted to a Noble."

Li avoided Tu Nan's gaze.

"You're right, I was thinking incorrectly. The Children are different from how I was back then; they have me now."

"I will personally refine them, but that's not enough... If we are to go to a better planet, I think I need power, and a large amount of resources."

Tu Nan hadn't expected Li's train of thought to be guided by her into this direction so quickly.

"I heard from Lisa that the Legion holds evaluations for outstanding soldiers every three years. I heard the Central Legion picks people from these evaluations every year? With your ability, you should..."

This was Tu Nan's true plan.

She still had over 2,000 days left.

A few months ago, she had sworn to survive at all costs, giving up everything just to live.

But now... she found herself increasingly unable to let go of the Children.

No matter what, she had to try her best to pave the way for the Children's future. At the very least, she needed to find a way to move to a habitable planet that wasn't so prone to the dangers of war.

"The military path is too slow. The preliminary selection doesn't start until the end of next year." Li stared unblinkingly at the Children.

He raised a slightly arrogant smile.

"If I hadn't joined the Sharp Blade Squad, I wouldn't have known I was such a good fighter. Before... I missed out on a lot. I won't lose."

Tu Nan frowned deeply.

Li was indeed very powerful and highly ranked, but had he forgotten one thing...? However, Tu Nan shouldn't say that sentence.

It would severely wound the surging pride of this Male Beast.

Gritting her teeth, she still spoke, trying a concerned approach.

"The military competitions are very formal, so I'm not too worried about you... But regarding the Family Arena Competition you mentioned, can they guarantee it's regulated?"

"...I'm afraid you'll be at a disadvantage without a Beast Form."

Li froze, just as expected.

That was right, he had indeed just reached Grade A, but he simply could not transform into a Beast Form.

Without a Beast Form, no matter how fast his blade was, he had a fatal weakness.

His combat would be limited in special terrains, and he was basically useless in space battles. After all, only a Beast Form could survive and fight in a space environment.

"Family battles will be ground battles, but military competitions always include space battles later on. I'd be at a greater disadvantage there," Li replied stiffly.

In other words, if he took the military path, Li might not truly stand out. Li's words made Tu Nan clearly understand this point; it was indeed very difficult.

"Stop talking, this opportunity is good. If I refuse Karl this time, there won't be a next." After discussing it with Tu Nan, Li became even more resolute, deciding to go find Sheng Ranran tomorrow to clarify the process.

The Sheng Family... their background isn't clean. But that's fine; they should value him even more.

Seeing Tu Nan still frowning and worried about his safety, he comforted her: "Don't worry. I can guarantee that as long as we're on the ground of Sand Star, in single combat, I won't lose!"

Tu Nan always felt that something wasn't right.

"What kind of Family..." recruits talent through an internal Arena Competition? If they truly wanted to recruit, shouldn't they hold a public event?

"They say they're a major local Noble Family. Are you still worried about someone Karl recommended?" Li pulled at the corner of his mouth proudly. "Alright. You don't need to worry about this. I will make you a true Noble, and the Children too."

Noble?

What Family has such gall? The right to confer titles is not held in such remote places.

"I'll go greet Karl now." Li suddenly became enthusiastic about this matter, and ignoring the fact that it was already dinner time, he rushed out, letting go of Tu Nan.

And left.

Tu Nan stood in place for a moment, then went out and knocked on Gaia's door.

Gaia hadn't joined the military and continued to hunt with soldiers on rotation. He happened to be home now.

"Gaia, Li just told me he's going to participate in some Family-hosted Arena Competition. Have you heard him mention it?"

Tu Nan looked anxious, and she was indeed uneasy inside.

"What? No. Is he that impressive?" Gaia was always straightforward.

"It's normal for him to be valued since he's capable. Are you worried about him? There's no need. I can see now that as long as he doesn't run into Kong Jiamu or that Hain, he can walk sideways here."

Gaia later inquired and learned that Hain was the Orca of exaggerated size.

"Those two wouldn't unreasonably participate in an Arena Competition on a small planet like this, hehehe. Just wait for Li to come back with first place for you."

"No, I heard it was an internal Arena Competition. I just wanted to ask you, what Family would hold an Arena Competition that isn't public? Wouldn't publicizing it be better, whether for expanding influence or recruiting talent?"

"...You're right." Gaia rubbed his ear, realizing that this seemed true.

"Didn't you ask Li?"

Tu Nan shook her head. "Li wouldn't tell me. He told me not to worry about it."

Gaia was stunned for a moment. His ears twitched, and he sighed.

"Tu Nan... I think you should really have a good talk with Li? I mean..."

He glanced at Tu Nan, asking tentatively, "He has no idea about the things you did, um... along the way before..."

"What things?" Tu Nan interrupted him, her expression turning cold. "Let the past stay in the past."

Miao Miao and Ao Ao now had a stable home, parents who loved them, and a promising future.

What could she say?

Should she let Li know that her relationship with him was due to the System from the very beginning? Because of exploitation?

Or that she once saw danger but said nothing?

Or that she was constantly searching for the next Male Beast?

How would Li react?

It was better if he remained ignorant, just like now.

"Gaia, I am a mother now. Look at me, then look at Miao Miao and Ao Ao." Tu Nan stared intensely at him.

"You've helped me immensely. If it weren't for you, the three of us—mother and Children—wouldn't be alive right now. So please, just as you are now, don't say anything."

"I want to give the Children a stable life. You watched them being born; you know how difficult life is right now, don't you?"

"I beg you, don't destroy it."

Gaia didn't know why Tu Nan was suddenly thinking so much. He himself just felt that he could accept it, so Li should be able to accept it too... right?

It seemed truly different.

"You're working so hard like this." The cheerful Gaia always felt that there should be no secrets between Family members.

"I'm not working hard. It's worth it."

"Alright. My brain isn't as good as yours." Gaia admitted that Tu Nan was always right. "I'll listen to you."

Tu Nan nodded gently, reminding him: "The Arena Competition."

"I'll go find out more." He agreed readily.

***

Meanwhile, on the other side of the neighborhood, Sheng Ranran excitedly answered a call from her father.

"Are you coming to Mata City next week? To attend the tenth anniversary celebration of the completion of the Star-level Air Defense Chain?"

"...You're asking about that Grade A candidate?... I recruited him! Really, you must believe me."

"Yes, you'll be able to see him when you arrive!"

"Please, just help me one more time, give me a chance..."