After completing the first round of exams, Feng Qi quickly found himself facing the second and third rounds.
Unlike the first round, these tests were held in person at designated locations across various cities, where temporary monitoring teams were responsible for supervising the exams.
Among the proctors in Star City, there were even staff members from Tiger Soul Research Institute.
If Feng Qi had wanted to cheat, it would have been laughably easy.
But he never considered it—he had spent an entire year studying rigorously and had full confidence in passing.
—
One month later.
Inside the study room at Tiger Soul Research Institute, Feng Qi followed his usual routine.
He powered up his screen and opened his email inbox.
There, at the very top, sat a bold red email, its subject line unmistakable:
[Old Day Academy – Admission Letter (Official Certification)]
As expected, he had successfully been admitted.
Clicking on the email, he scanned the contents—detailed information about Old Day Academy, as well as the necessary preparations for enrollment.
Closing the email, he picked up his phone and dialed Tiger Soul's director.
After informing him of his acceptance, he made another call—this time to Mu Qing.
It was time to set things in motion for Mist Lord.
Feng Qi wanted to bring him along when he officially enrolled at Old Day Academy.
After coordinating with Mu Qing, Feng Qi returned to his room and began packing.
There wasn't much he needed to bring—Old Day Academy provided all essential living supplies for its new students.
The only things he had to carry personally were:
Brain Activity Needle 5.0, custom gloves, encrypted communicator, and other essential tools for the Sacrificial Timeline.
Until he unlocked an ability that allowed him to create private storage space, or acquired a Miracle Artifact with similar functions, he had no choice but to carry everything on his person.
—
That night.
At Tiger Soul Research Institute's helipad, Mu Qing arrived as planned.
Together, they boarded a Tiger Soul private jet.
For this trip, Feng Qi had submitted a formal request to Winterfell Supply Zone, stating that his reason for traveling to the frontlines was for field research on Domain Creatures, a preparatory step before enrolling at Old Day Academy.
Normally, civilians were not permitted to travel to the frontlines, but his request was approved due to his status as a Recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Humanity Medal.
Everything was orchestrated to make his meeting with Mist Lord seem completely natural.
—
From the plane window, he watched as the night view of Star City shrank in the distance.
Soon, they pierced through the thick clouds, disappearing from sight.
Above the clouds, a bright full moon hung high in the sky.
In the distance, various Domain Field barriers shimmered in different colors, dividing the world into separate regions.
Turning away from the window, he looked at Mu Qing, who was happily munching on snacks.
A smile appeared on his face.
Picking up his tablet, he unlocked the screen and pulled up a detailed document.
"Mu Qing-jie, take a look at this."
Hearing this, Mu Qing paused her snacking and curiously glanced at the screen.
On the tablet was a comprehensive report on a Domain Field.
—
[Wave Domain Field]
Coordinates: Winterfell Frontlines - North (113.24, 28.824)
Coverage Area: 584 square kilometers
Known Monster Strength Levels: Bronze to Gold Tier
Overall Threat Level: Silver Grade
Dominant Species: Fluctuation Clan, Water Elemental Beings, Air Elemental Beings, Mind Manipulators
Affinity Bias: Mental-type, Spellcasting-oriented, Minor Physical Enhancement
Notable Resources: Elemental Stones, Tier 0-12 Spirit Stones, Large Quantities of Elemental Plants
Exploration Progress: 92.28%
Expulsion Progress: 73.23%
[Notes:]
This Domain Field is classified as a Mental-Type Zone.
Entry requires specialized equipment—pure physical defenses are ineffective against mental-based attacks.
All combat squads must exercise extreme caution…
[Additional Documents (324 reports)]
Weakness Analysis of Fluctuation Clan (Revised, provided by Shenlong Domain Combat Squad)
Terrain Maps (Jointly provided by Dusk Domain Squad, Polar Domain Squad, and 89 other squads)
Resource Distribution Charts
Captured Videos & Images
—
After reading through the report, Mu Qing furrowed her brows.
"Aren't we supposed to be heading straight to Mist Lord's Domain Field?"
Feng Qi smirked.
"Under normal circumstances, yes. We'd go directly to the Silent—no, the real name is 'Mist Domain Field'—but the timeline is different. Right now, there's another Domain Field covering Mist Domain Field's entrance.
"To reach Mist Lord, we have to pass through Wave Domain Field first."
In the original timeline, Mu Qing had shattered the Mist Domain Field after she graduated.
Right now, that event was still two years away.
Feng Qi's explanation was concise, and Mu Qing immediately nodded in agreement.
"Shouldn't be a problem."
"Of course not. With our strength, sweeping through Wave Domain Field will be effortless."
As he spoke, Feng Qi handed the tablet to Mu Qing, letting her go over the detailed information about Wave Domain Field.
All the intelligence gathered on this Domain Field had been collected through explorations by frontline battle squads. After being compiled, it was published on platforms specifically for Domain Combat Squads.
What looked like a simple report had actually cost the lives of many warriors.
Now, Wave Domain Field was on the verge of being completely conquered.
If it was convenient, Feng Qi figured he and Mu Qing might as well wipe it out while they were passing through.
—
One day later.
The Tiger Soul private jet landed at Winterfell Supply Zone.
As soon as they stepped off the aircraft, they were greeted by a snow-covered world.
Heavy snowflakes fell from the sky, and the airport lights illuminated the surroundings. A massive stockpile of supplies was stacked in one corner of the tarmac, with numerous staff members bustling about, loading them onto transport planes.
These supplies, retrieved from various Domain Fields, would soon be distributed to major cities.
Compared to the warm interior of the plane, the temperature outside was bone-chillingly cold. Each breath exhaled formed misty white clouds, crystallizing into tiny ice particles.
However, for Feng Qi and Mu Qing, whose bodies were naturally resilient, the temperature was well within tolerable limits. There was no need to bundle up in thick winter gear.
Feng Qi was extremely familiar with Winterfell Supply Zone.
"Let's check into a hotel first, then rent a snow vehicle."
With that, Feng Qi took the lead, walking out of the airport.
Mu Qing followed without hesitation.
—
Along the snow-covered roads, automated snow-clearing robots were tirelessly at work, pushing the piled-up snow to the sides of the road, where melting robots would then dissolve it and direct it into underground drainage systems.
The streets were busy, with people hurrying past, all fully geared up against the cold.
On the way to the hotel, several military transport trucks passed by, carrying exhausted frontline warriors in the back. Their faces were lined with fatigue, clear signs that they had just returned from battle.
The stark contrast between the brutal frontlines and the flourishing cities was striking.
But unlike city life, where politics and complex relationships played a role, here at the supply zone, there was only pure camaraderie forged in combat and hardship.
Even rival battle squads maintained a healthy competition, fostering an environment of mutual support.
Even Scavengers, who were often marginalized in the big cities, received a surprisingly high level of respect here.
In this small frontline city, money held no special power—only military achievements determined one's status. Respect was earned, not given.
Although Winterfell Supply Zone was a much newer establishment compared to the five great cities, history books referred to every frontline city as a City of Heroes.
If the cemeteries in the cities held the memorials and symbolic tombstones of fallen warriors, then this land was where their actual bodies rested.
Buried in a foreign land, but their spirits return home.
That was the final fate of many frontline soldiers.
In the unforgiving Domain Fields, death came swiftly and mercilessly—many bodies were never even recovered.
—
As they walked through Winterfell, Feng Qi took on the role of a tour guide, introducing Mu Qing to the history and culture of this supply outpost.
Mu Qing listened intently.
It was clear—she had a deep interest in Winterfell Frontlines.
In the original timeline, Mu Qing would have eventually arrived here, where she rose rapidly in prominence, eventually establishing one of the ten legendary battle squads—Dawn Combat Squad.
The reason Mu Qing had stayed at Star City Academy wasn't because she needed a diploma or any formal certification.
She was merely fulfilling her parents' dying wish.
That was why she had chosen to live a final period of peace before devoting herself to the frontlines for the rest of her life.
In the normal course of history, after graduation, Mu Qing completely abandoned the city life, dedicating her entire being to the endless battles at the frontlines.
But now, something was different.
Compared to the fierce and bloodthirsty Mu Qing of the original timeline, the Mu Qing standing beside him was far calmer.
This version of her had less aggression, her emotions were more stable, and she no longer lost control as easily.
Thinking back, Feng Qi couldn't help but feel relieved.
That day, at the lake beside the Star City Academy dormitories, Mu Qing had nearly lost control during their first encounter.
Fortunately, even in her unstable state, she had managed to hold back.
All she had done was punch him in the chest, leaving a dented mark.
If she had used even slightly more force, he would have been obliterated on the spot.
Unlike the Sacrificial Timeline, where he could reset and try again, in the real world, death was permanent.
That incident had been proof—Mu Qing, even in her moments of instability, still retained some level of rationality.
She was not like Tian Shu, whose loss of control led to complete, irreversible madness.
—
As they chatted, they crossed the main road and arrived at a hotel.
Upon entering, they registered their identities at the front desk.
As per frontline regulations, all incoming visitors were subject to a secondary round of questioning to confirm their reason for travel.
After explaining their reasons, Feng Qi and Mu Qing were granted permission to stay at the hotel.
Feeling famished, they decided not to check into their rooms right away and instead headed straight for the hotel restaurant.
Before them were two options—buffet or à la carte.
Going for the buffet felt like taking advantage of the situation, so they opted for à la carte dining instead.
If Old Day Supply Zone's specialty was various seafood dishes, then Winterfell Supply Zone was famous for its Domain Beast meat.
Compared to the coastal city of Old Day, food resources in Winterfell were far more scarce. The barren, snow-covered land had almost no farmland or natural vegetation.
The primary local produce consisted of krill, salmon, and Arctic hares.
Before Winterfell Supply Zone was established, the natives living here survived on whatever they could catch.
But after the supply zone was set up, the availability of food greatly improved.
Transport planes delivered spiritual resources from the frontlines to major cities, and on their return trips, they brought back food and supplies from those cities.
Because of this, the restaurants in Winterfell Supply Zone now served a variety of cuisine from different major cities.
However, the true specialty here was Domain Beast meat.
Except for humanoid Domain creatures, all other Domain Beasts were hunted, butchered, and served to frontline warriors as food.
The flavor was exceptional.
The meat of Domain Beasts was refined by spiritual energy over time, making it incredibly nutritious. Regular consumption could significantly enhance physical attributes and even nourish the body over time.
One of the most famous success stories was about a YW warrior, who regained his former strength simply by eating Domain Beast meat long-term.
Outside frontline supply zones, ordinary people had to pay an exorbitant price to buy such ingredients in their home cities.
—
While waiting, plate after plate of grilled meat was served to their table.
The freshly grilled meat sizzled as fat dripped onto the plates, releasing a rich, mouthwatering aroma into the air.
Just taking a deep breath was enough to ignite their hunger.
"Can I start eating?" Mu Qing's eyes locked onto the meat, eager to dig in.
"Why are you even asking? Go ahead."
With Feng Qi's approval, a crimson glow flashed in Mu Qing's eyes. She immediately grabbed a piece of grilled meat and started devouring it ravenously, without the slightest concern for etiquette.
Watching the fierce little loli wolf down her food, Feng Qi didn't hesitate—he grabbed a piece of grilled meat and took a bite as well.
Compared to ordinary meat, Domain Beast meat was far more tender. The moment it entered his mouth, the juices burst, filling his senses with rich umami, charred crispiness, and deep savoriness.
The complex layers of flavor teased his taste buds, making every bite a pleasure.
As he chewed and swallowed, Feng Qi could clearly feel the meat breaking down in his stomach. The spiritual energy contained within slowly merged into his body, bringing a soothing, almost euphoric sensation.
It was obvious that this Domain Beast meat had been skillfully processed.
Under normal circumstances, Domain Beast meat was incredibly tough.
The high density of muscle fibers, strengthened by spiritual energy, made it difficult to chew—sometimes even strong enough to damage a warrior's teeth.
After all, Domain Beasts were born and raised in environments saturated with spiritual energy, resulting in exceptional muscle resilience.
To counteract this, the meat served here had been specially prepared, breaking down the tough internal structure to make it easier to eat.
—
Glancing at Mu Qing, Feng Qi noticed that she had already finished an entire plate of grilled meat.
Watching her rolling up her sleeves, tearing into the meat with an aggressive determination, Feng Qi couldn't help but smile.
When it came to food, Mu Qing never held back.
Her powerful digestion system, enhanced by Scarlet Rune Crystals, allowed her to process food at an extreme rate.
But her love for delicious food was also tied to her past experiences.
As a Scavenger, Mu Qing had grown up with severe food scarcity.
Back then, she didn't care about flavor—just having enough to eat was already a luxury.
After joining the Crimson Research Institute, she met super foodie Wei Wei, whose influence gradually fueled her obsession with gourmet food.
According to the original timeline, after entering the frontlines, Mu Qing made Domain Beast meat her main diet, and her combat strength skyrocketed.
Maybe Domain Beast meat was the perfect food for her, far more suitable for her physique than the meals at Star City Academy.
After all, as a top predator, she was meant to eat meat.
—
After their meal, the time had already reached 11:00 PM.
By then, their table was overflowing with beast bones, and the servers had already cleared it several times.
The bill was directly charged to Tiger Soul Research Institute's account.
Once they dropped off their belongings in their hotel rooms, Feng Qi and Mu Qing immediately left.
Outside, the snow continued to fall, and the streets had emptied significantly.
Their next stop was a rental shop, where they planned to rent the necessary equipment for their journey to Mist Domain Field.
They also needed to stock up on essential supplies for the trip.
Once all preparations were complete, Feng Qi planned to head straight for Mist Domain Field with Mu Qing.
With their physical endurance, skipping a night's sleep wouldn't affect their combat efficiency in the slightest.