Chapter Thirty-Two: The Source of Magic

All along the way, the insect creatures on the road had already been eliminated by Zhan Yu. Xuan Xuan casually cast a "Source of Magic" on him.

Zhan Yu glanced at his energy display, raising an eyebrow. His energy had increased by ten percent; what had dropped to ninety percent was now fully replenished. This was Xuan Xuan’s doing.

Xuan Xuan responded, “Hmm?”

“How did you do that?”

“How?” Xuan Xuan replied, “It’s just a ‘Source of Magic’.”

“That’s your ability?” Zhan Yu asked. As the next generation of the Zhan family, he was naturally familiar with abilities, and possessed one himself—metal affinity. He could control metals, though he rarely used it.

Ability? Xuan Xuan reflected for a moment. Her father referred to magic by that name, so it must be the same. She nodded, “Yes.”

Zhan Yu paused. She was trusting him so easily, yet it made him happy. He added, “Don’t use this ability when there are others around.”

Is there really no magic in this world? Xuan Xuan asked, puzzled, “Why?”

“Very few people can use it here, so it’s best not to let others see,” Zhan Yu explained simply, hoping she’d understand.

Xuan Xuan was startled. Very few? So there were some, just not many. She understood Zhan Yu was acting in her best interest and nodded, “I’ll only use it in front of you.”

Zhan Yu pursed his lips, a beautiful curve appearing at his mouth. Such a simple sentence, yet it made him very happy, his heart beating swiftly.

“Actually, you could use it too,” Xuan Xuan said after a moment’s thought, her head lowered. She trusted this man. She had noticed his strong spiritual power and his exceptional affinity with metal elements—almost as strong as her own. If he learned magic, he would progress quickly.

She lowered her head slightly. She didn’t want to be the only one in this world who could use magic. It was lonely, always hiding, always apart. In her previous life, she had only ceased to be lonely because of her teacher. In this life, though she had her father and grandfather, she was afraid—afraid to lose them, afraid to share her secret. If she told them, would they think her a monster?

Would they abandon her?

Her eyes lowered, staring at the tips of her boots. The familiar shape of her magical boots, their pointed toes curled elegantly as always, yet somehow felt so unfamiliar.

Had a century passed? Or an entire lifetime?

Perhaps she was selfish. She didn’t want to be alone. She wanted someone else in this world who could use magic, who understood alchemy, who knew about dolls and potions—not just her.

One person—so lonely.

Zhan Yu was surprised. “Me?”

Xuan Xuan lifted her head, nodding gently. “Yes, your affinity with metal elements is excellent. You can interact well with metals, right?”

A flicker of astonishment crossed Zhan Yu’s eyes. Only his family knew he had metal-based abilities; no one else did. “How did you know?”

“I saw it,” she replied. It was obvious—the metal element’s energy fluctuations were like a giant spotlight. How could she not notice? Typically, people with metal abilities were sharp in temperament, their presence cutting and fierce. He was different: steady for his age, not giving off a sharp aura.

“Saw it?” Zhan Yu still couldn’t understand. In the Federation, people could only detect abilities with special devices, yet this girl could see it at a glance. It astonished him every time—and each time, the surprise grew.

She laughed, clearly enjoying Zhan Yu’s stunned expression. “You teach me to read, I’ll teach you magic—your so-called ability. That way, we’re even.”

“No, you can learn to read anywhere, but only you can teach me... magic. Do you know what this ability is worth?” Zhan Yu felt his throat dry. Magic? Abilities had always been mysterious and hard to comprehend, never systematically taught.

Its value was incalculable, yet she offered so easily. Was she naïve, or...?

Xuan Xuan smiled. She understood perfectly. Her emotional intelligence might be low, but her intellect was not.

Before her teacher took her in, after her family abandoned her, she’d suffered enough to learn discernment. She knew not to flaunt wealth. But this person was trustworthy. There was no other reason—she simply believed. And he had never disappointed her.

“You’ll have to call me ‘teacher’ from now on,” Xuan Xuan said with a smile. That way, she wouldn’t be alone anymore.

Zhan Yu was startled and immediately refused, “I taught you to read, too.”

He didn’t know why, but he didn’t want to call her teacher. He felt it would distance them, and he didn’t want her to be just his teacher.

Xuan Xuan patted the mech beneath her, as if patting the man inside. “So unlovable.”

Zhan Yu smiled. He could almost see the girl in the white dress sitting on the black mech’s shoulder, her lips pouting, her clear eyes full of dissatisfaction.

“Why are there so many insect creatures?” Xuan Xuan asked.

“Yes, there are even more in reality,” Zhan Yu replied, his smile fading. Many soldiers in the Federation had sacrificed themselves to fight these insect creatures, just so humanity could survive. Yet, people always wanted more.

Xuan Xuan asked, puzzled, “Can’t they all be exterminated?”

She had seen the power of the fleet—such immense strength, yet the insects couldn’t be wiped out?

“The insects are everywhere. Their numbers are overwhelming. They reproduce quickly, and their evolution is extraordinary. Their queen insects possess intelligence equal to humans. Led by certain special insects, they can freely traverse the stars and thrive in any harsh environment.” Zhan Yu’s tone was grave; he had encountered countless insect creatures in the Black Domain.

He paused, then continued, “Among humans, not everyone is united against the insects. Moreover, human individual combat capability doesn’t match that of high-level insects, who are numerous. Very few humans can match their fighting power. If not for advanced thermal weapons, humanity might have vanished long ago.”

Xuan Xuan had never encountered high-level insects. She imagined they must be formidable, especially since Zhan Yu’s abilities were strong. She trusted his assessment. But she didn’t understand politics, nor why humans couldn’t unite in the face of survival.

Sensing Zhan Yu’s low spirits, she didn’t ask further. Instead, she cast “Eagle Eye” on herself, carefully observing the insects before Zhan Yu made his move.

P.S. This is Xiaoxiao’s book—everyone should check it out. b00kid22 “The Beauty’s Plot: Calamity of Temptation”