Star Martial Era: From Mortal to Emperor

Chapter 45 Post-War Discussions: Zhao Lei's Heart Turns Home

By this time, a large number of students who had heard the news had gathered at the entrance of the alley.

The fight was incredibly loud. First came Zhao Lei's screams and cries for help as the three men, including Black Tiger, ganged up on him. Then came Lin Chen's angry shouts as he arrived. Next came a series of muffled thuds from punches and kicks and the cracking of bones breaking. Finally, Black Tiger let out a heart-wrenching scream—"Ah—"—that sound echoed throughout the entire school gate area.

So, students from the vicinity, passersby, and even the security guards at the school gate all rushed over. But most people only dared to stand at the alley entrance and look from afar, not daring to approach—the fight had been too intense, and the ground was covered in blood; who would dare to go in?

Small groups of people crowded at the alley entrance, whispering and talking amongst themselves. Some stood on tiptoe to peek inside, some took out their phones to take pictures, and some were having heated discussions with their friends.

"My God! Lin Chen is too amazing! That's Black Tiger! I heard he can take on ten mid-stage Qi and Blood Realm martial artists by himself! Nobody in Qingyang City dares to mess with him!" A boy wearing glasses stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief.

"Wang Hao is such a scoundrel! He actually sent someone to ambush Zhao Lei! We're all classmates, why can't we fight fair and square? Why resort to such underhanded tactics!" A girl with a ponytail said indignantly, her arms crossed and her brows furrowed.

"This is going to be interesting. Lin Chen will definitely not let Wang Hao off the hook! Did you guys see when Lin Chen stomped on Black Tiger's wrist just now? It sounded so painful!" A tall, thin boy shrank his neck and touched his own wrist as if he could feel the pain himself.

"That kid from the Lin family is ruthless. But I like it." A senior student leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a playful smile on his lips. "Wang Hao has been running rampant in the class for so long, finally someone has to teach him a lesson."

A cacophony of voices rose and fell, like a pot of boiling water. But when Lin Chen emerged from the alley, everyone automatically fell silent and made way for him. Their gazes fell upon Lin Chen—the young man had a few bloodstains on him, his collar slightly disheveled, but his steps were steady, his breathing even, and his face expressionless, as if he had just done something insignificant. He was still carefully supporting Zhao Lei, his movements gentler than before.

Lin Chen ignored the surrounding chatter, not even sparing a glance at the onlookers. His attention was entirely focused on Zhao Lei—Zhao Lei's left eye socket was swollen high, a large purplish-blue patch, with a cut at the corner of his eye from which blood was still seeping; his lip was also cut, and his lower lip was swollen like a sausage; his left hand clutched his right ribs, and he gasped in pain with every step. Lin Chen steadily supported Zhao Lei under his armpits, bearing most of his weight, and carefully helped him walk step by step towards the school's infirmary.

He walked very slowly, almost half the usual pace, afraid that the bumps would aggravate Zhao Lei's wound. From the alley entrance to the infirmary, it was about six or seven hundred meters, crossing the entire campus square, going around the teaching building, and passing a small garden. Lin Chen supported Zhao Lei, walking steadily, each step firm and solid.

The streetlights on campus were already on, their orange glow casting long shadows of two people on the damp ground. A breeze blew, and a few ginkgo leaves rustled down, the cool air carrying the scent of earth and grass. Zhao Lei's body was heavy, and he had to stop to catch his breath every few steps, so Lin Chen waited patiently, without haste or impatience.

Neither of them spoke the rest of the way, but Zhao Lei could feel the strength coming from Lin Chen's arm—a steady, reassuring strength.

Halfway there, Zhao Lei finally couldn't hold back anymore. He lowered his head, his voice filled with guilt and self-reproach, like a child who had done something wrong: "Lin Chen, I'm sorry for causing you trouble. I shouldn't have gone to buy Qi Gathering Pills alone. Wang Hao's men must have known I was going; they were waiting for me there for half an hour. If I had been smarter and run away sooner, I wouldn't have gotten beaten up and had to come to your rescue."

His eyes were a little red, but he held back his tears. It wasn't that he was afraid of the pain; he felt guilty towards Lin Chen. Lin Chen had just returned from Qingyang City, rushed to save him without even having a sip of water, and had even fought three experts at the mid-stage of the Qi and Blood Realm. What if Lin Chen got injured? What if Lin Chen got punished by the school for fighting?

"Don't talk nonsense." Lin Chen stopped and turned to look into Zhao Lei's eyes, his tone firm yet warm, as if stating something perfectly natural. "You're my brother. Anyone who dares to touch you is going against me, Lin Chen. Whether they're from the Wang family or the evil clan, I won't let them get away with it."

These few simple words, without any fancy words or embellishments, were like a pot of charcoal fire, instantly igniting Zhao Lei's heart.

Zhao Lei looked up at Lin Chen's profile. The streetlights illuminated Lin Chen's silhouette, highlighting his features. His young face showed no regret, hesitation, or lingering fear, only a heavy, unwavering resolve.

Zhao Lei's nose tingled, and his eyes finally reddened. He nodded forcefully, without saying thank you—because he knew Lin Chen didn't need it. He simply made a silent vow in his heart, with all his might: from this day forward, no matter the dangers, he would follow Lin Chen. Wherever Lin Chen went, he would go. Whoever Lin Chen attacked, he would attack. Even if he died, he would die before Lin Chen.

Ginkgo leaves are still falling on campus.

The lights in the infirmary were still on, and you could see the glass door emitting white light from afar.

Lin Chen helped Zhao Lei walk steadily over, step by step.