To most listeners, it seemed Tang Wen regarded Zi Ye as a favored disciple in whom he placed high hopes, but to Zi Ye herself, the statement carried an additional layer of meaning.

To stand shoulder to shoulder with him...

Zi Ye sighed silently in her belly.

The award ceremony was merely a formality; the real action happened in the time following the dispersal. After the ceremony concluded, representatives from various factions would negotiate with Kaga’s management, or perhaps discuss curriculum quality expectations and future student recruitment consensus with specific school administrators. Meanwhile, leaders of commercial conglomerates would use this window to scout and recruit promising, capable students to serve their corporations down the line.

For the day’s protagonists—the members of the winning team—the main objective was consistent: reunite with their own people. The only question was whether they would all stick together or scatter to their respective homes and families.

The six of them stood together, not yet having settled on a plan, when a resonant, booming voice cut through the air, "Son."

The others felt nothing unusual, but Bobo’s body instantly stiffened.

He turned slowly, his movements rigid, and the others followed his gaze, spotting a face they saw daily on the Interstellar Federation news: the square-jawed face of Federation Marshal Kalu!

Kalu was imposing and tall, clad in a sharp military uniform, his expression impassive, making him appear ten times more commanding than he did on screen.

Bobo took two steps forward and lowered his head slightly: "Father."

The five behind him exchanged glances.

Why would a son be so terrified of his father?

Bad relationship?

Zi Ye conjectured internally, but she wasn't one to pry, so she dismissed the thought, preoccupied with her own dilemma: should she stay and keep Bobo company, or go find Hong Fa?

The answer was: stay and keep Bobo company.

Because Ling Yin was gripping her arm tightly and refusing to let go!

Zi Ye glanced sideways at Ling Yin, noticing how incredibly tense she was, so she said nothing further.

It was natural to be nervous when meeting your boyfriend’s father, wasn't it?

Bobo shifted slightly to the side and said to Kalu, "Father, these are my teammates."

Kalu’s gaze swept over them.

A soldier’s look was terrifying. The five instinctively snapped to attention and bowed in unison: "Sir, hello."

Kalu nodded slightly, his eyes skimming past Li Chunyu, Zi Ye, and Ling Yin, before finally resting on the twins. He suddenly asked, "You are An Junlie’s students?"

As he spoke, an immense killing intent erupted from him, making his entire presence colder and sterner, as if he stood on a battlefield facing countless sharp weapons!

Instantly, the hall’s music and the surrounding chatter faded from perception.

It felt as if the world had shrunk to just themselves, with a sword, colder and more imposing than they were, aimed directly at them.

No matter how capable the person who drew the sword was, they were still just students. Who among them had ever encountered such a terrifying aura?

However, they hadn’t grown up easily, and they understood that the more intense the moment, the less they could show weakness. Thus, they gripped the person next to them tightly and managed to stand their ground.

Actually, Zi Ye had experienced this kind of killing intent before.

On Hong Fa.

Therefore, the moment Kalu unleashed that aura, she sensed something was off and inwardly cursed, Damn it, is the famed Marshal Kalu of the Interstellar Federation so petty that after failing to kill An Junlie, he’s now targeting his apprentices? That’s excessive!

Bobo, seeing the discomfort on the five faces, urgently interjected, "Father."

At those words, Kalu’s killing intent vanished instantly.

The atmosphere returned to one of serenity.

The music played on, surrounded by the sounds of laughter and chatter, which now sounded like heavenly music to their ears.

The twins could finally speak, yet they held their ground, neither subservient nor aggressive: "Yes, Commander An Junlie is our teacher."

A cryptic smile touched Kalu’s lips: "Send my regards to him."

Just as the twins were about to reply, they sensed someone approaching from behind. Standing before Kalu, they dared not turn around—because one must never show their back to an enemy.

Although the brief incident had no major consequence, it had caused Aixbent to instinctively view Kalu as an adversary.

Never mind Zi Ye; even Bobo felt his father had acted improperly. For a high-ranking Marshal to use battle-honed killing intent against a group of students was, frankly, laughable.

Just then, a leisurely voice drifted over: "Thank you for your concern, Marshal Kalu. I, myself, will certainly convey your greetings to the Commander."

Such a voice, such a manner of speaking—who else could it be but their most cunning Vice Commander? The twins could no longer hide their relief and immediately smiled, stepping half a pace to either side, creating a space for Lan Li to walk between them.

Lan Li added, his smile masking his intent: "Allow me to introduce myself first. I am Lan Li, currently serving in the Angel Legion as Vice Commander. It is an honor to meet you."

The more humble his words, the uglier Kalu’s expression became. To attack another’s students and be caught red-handed—it was an utter disgrace. Yet, the other man smiled like a wad of cotton, leaving Kalu with no outlet for his anger. He could only maintain a stiff face: "The pleasure is mine..."

Lan Li’s smile didn't waver as he shook Kalu’s hand: "These two unaccomplished fellows have caused you trouble. I shall take them to discipline them first. We can chat again if there's an opportunity."

With that, he took the twins' hands and began to lead them away.

Taking a step, he noticed Zi Ye still standing there in a daze, casting her a look of stern disappointment before she snapped out of it and hurried to catch up.

With her departure, Ling Yin and Li Chunyu also felt awkward standing alone and followed suit.

Effectively, Lan Li had arrived and taken everyone away, leaving Kalu with only the composed, retreating backs of his departing guests.

Kalu’s rage flared up a few degrees more.

Bobo simply felt awkward, staring down at his own heels without saying a word.

Once they were out of Kalu’s line of sight, Lan Li smiled: "Zi Ye, long time no see."

Zi Ye gave him a thumbs-up: "That was incredibly cool just now."

Lan Li offered a gentle smile in return, then turned to Chun Niu: "You must be Li Chunyu? Ai Ke mentioned you; your designs are brilliant!"

Li Chunyu’s eyes widened instantly. No amount of praise could compare to Lan Li remembering his name after a single mention, and his smile radiated sincerity. Especially after Kalu’s little stunt, the contrast in stature was immediately obvious.

Excitedly, he said, "I’ve heard of you too. Your Angel Domain is very impressive."

Ling Yin chimed in: "What about me? Do you know me?"

Lan Li’s smile softened slightly as he waved a hand: "Let me think... they mentioned you; I surely must have remembered."

The twins naturally settled their hands on Zi Ye's shoulders from behind, sneering inwardly: Vice Commander, keep up the act! He memorized the background files of every member of the Ex-sheathed team ages ago!