Chapter 27

Sports meets rarely featured nighttime events, but this school had them in abundance.

Taking into account the unique nocturnal abilities of Snake Descendant and Feather Descendant students, the academy had scheduled a slate of competitive events from seven to eleven at night.

When signing up, Shang Xi had flipped straight to the nighttime group page with full confidence.

(1) Night Multi-dimensional Obstacle Race (Ground/Air)

(2) Midnight Rescue Drill Race

(3) Night Sniper Kill Speed Race

(4) Infrared Trap Maze Speed Race (Team/Individual)

…

Shang Xi stared at the list for a good while, deciding that even his usual cut of the points wasn’t worth it.

What kind of school used infrared sensors as traps?!

What kind of school had sniper kill events?!

Teachers, you weren’t even pretending anymore!!

That night, the diurnal students yawned their way back to the dorms for bed, while the night owls armed themselves with chips, spicy strips, milk tea, and seeds before crowding into the auditorium for the event broadcasts.

The competition grounds were plunged into near-total darkness, with even the referees boasting night vision traits.

The auditorium screens helpfully displayed night vision feeds, complete with live commentary.

The Sports Meet spanned two days: the first for humanoid competitors, the second for those in transformed animal forms.

When Senior An Ming cleaved through an obstacle with a single palm strike and extracted the hostage at impossible speed amid pitch blackness, the auditorium full of Little Birds erupted in excited cheers.

“Senior’s badass!!”

“Senior’s so cool!! I need one of those feathered hair clips just like hers!!”

“Did you catch that? She locked onto the position using just sound!”

The Snake Descendant students watched with a touch of sour grapes, muttering under their breath.

“…Big deal. Our senior was only a tiny bit slower.”

“Humanoid events are dull. Tomorrow’s lineup will be the real spectacle.”

Professor Zhou nodded off drowsily, passing around a bag of spicy chicken feet. “You kids really not tired?”

Shang Xi’s eyes stayed glued to the screen. “Teacher, it’s only nine.”

Once the match wrapped, An Ming ascended the stage in her Snowy Owl feather-patterned gown to claim her prize, sharing cordial photos with the school leaders. It sent the Feather Descendants into a frenzy of hoots.

“Sister, I’m yours!!”

“Aaaah, her style is on point too—”

The host, head throbbing from the racket, cleared his throat repeatedly until the flock quieted. “Next: the Timed Sniper Kill Race.”

“The arena covers nearly two thousand square meters of simulated urban sprawl—tall buildings, short ones, the works. Eight contestants must spot and tag the optimal target fastest, injecting it with dye.”

The feed cut to an overhead view, revealing three glowing dolls suspended at varied spots.

Some targets dangled from six-meter platforms, demanding free climbs; others lurked in subterranean water cells, requiring a twenty-five-meter swim past obstacles.

The site offered zero light—the dolls’ pulsing heart lamps barely piercing the gloom.

Night vision cams caught the eight students filing in. Fu Congxiao’s close-up sparked a ripple of excitement.

Snake Descendants favored hushed tones, lacking the Feather Descendants’ bright, piercing calls.

The murmurs swelled like a gentle rain.

“Brother Xiao’s scales by his eyes are prettier every time—I’m tempted to copy them for makeup…”

“His poise and presence are flawless. He stands so tall and commanding!”

“Thank goodness Senior Fu’s competing this round. Those owls took the last one and wouldn’t shut up about it…”

Shang Xi crunched away at his chips when the Homing Pigeon Junior beside him gave a light tug.

They’d been desk mates in flight class, enough to be acquaintances.

“Um,” the junior ventured shyly, “is Senior Fu single right now?”

Shang Xi arched a brow and leaned toward Professor Zhou, the picture of propriety. “Teacher’s right here—mind your manners.”

Professor Zhou emitted a faint snore, out cold.

The Homing Pigeon Junior blushed. “I’m from the middle school division. I’ve had a crush on senior forever. A scolding from a teacher wouldn’t faze me.”

Shang Xi nodded solemnly. “I adore senior too. Here, let’s cheer him on together.”

The junior looked utterly deflated.

Certain someones were expert pretenders.

He kept one eye on the broadcast while his inner hall monitor unleashed a tirade.

What was with kids these days? Skipping studies for self-betterment, chasing puppy love in middle school!

Mid-rant, Shang Xi spotted the holes in his logic.

Puppy love aside, same-sex romance was…

Same-sex aside, a Feather Descendant crushing on a Snake Descendant was…

From a grown-up’s angle, it stacked up like this: Mom, Dad—if I skip the civil service exams and grad school, and oh, I like a same-sex senior, plus we’re not even human (Little Bird falls for Little Snake)—would you back us?

There were too many elements that could trigger breakdowns and screams—parents’ brains might just explode outright.

Shang Xi kept zoning out and nearly missed the close-up shot.

In the pitch-black darkness, Fu Congxiao’s figure darted past obstacles like a phantom, moving at an astonishing speed.

Cheers and gasps of admiration rose from the front rows one after another. Even many Feather Descendant students were utterly captivated.

Shang Xi acted decisively, slapping Professor Zhou awake with a firm smack.

Zhou Baofu coughed and jolted awake. “Is it over already?”

“The match just started,” Shang Xi said, gently smoothing his back. “Teacher, looks like you were having a nightmare.”

“Oh, was I?” The old man rubbed his face. “Can’t remember a thing.”

“No worries,” Shang Xi said softly. “It’s just hitting Senior Brother Fu’s part—super exciting stuff.”

Zhou Baofu took a gulp of hot tea and watched with rapt attention.

This student of his was no ordinary kid.

Scaling six-meter obstacles demanded explosive power and flexibility, the ability to judge landing spots in total darkness, and a perfect balance of speed and control.

The challenge was tough even for adult SWAT teams, but thanks to his innate gifts, it was a breeze for Fu Congxiao.

He hadn’t shifted into his snake form, yet every move flowed with effortless grace, as if he were strolling on flat ground.

A single kick from his long legs, a hook with his impressive arm span, and he vaulted over a platform one and a half meters high.

Shang Xi watched in quiet alarm. He could totally see now why Professor Zhou had whacked him with that folder the other day.

Skills like these, and Senior Brother was wasting them on skipping class to surf the web and coming back stinking of cigarette smoke.

If it were him, he’d swing too—with a rock-hard baguette from the cafeteria.

Someone outside called out the time loudly, while the auditorium full of students held their collective breath.

Safety harnesses were strapped to every contestant for protection.

But Fu Congxiao had practically free-climbed the building’s outer edge all the way to the third floor.

In the night shadows, his form evoked a swift, agile Swallow, blending in the serpentine flexibility unique to his kind—he slipped past even the trickiest-angled barriers with ease.

A girl drew in a sharp breath.

“I just wanna touch Senior Brother’s waist so bad.”

Shang Xi hadn’t realized so many people had their eyes on his Senior Brother.

Little Nightingale felt a surge of urgency.

Hey, Teacher’s right here!

Professor Zhou was oblivious, chomping on duck feet while glued to the live feed.

“So spicy,” he muttered, his nose turning red and eyes watering. “These pickled peppers are amazing.”

Shang Xi shot him a look of pure exasperation.

Zhou Baofu caught the anxious stare and patted his shoulder reassuringly. “No need to fret too much about him. Your Senior Brother’s trained for twenty-meter drops off buildings—those long legs of his are a game-changer.”

Before the words even settled, the junior let out a soft sigh.

“Senior Brother Congxiao’s legs are so long and straight. They’d look killer in a military uniform with tall boots.”

Shang Xi thought, Keep this up and I’m calling the cops.

Can’t you all just watch the damn match?

In a blink, the young man vaulted off the wall with one hand and landed smoothly.

The syringe hurtled through the air with ruthless precision, striking the glowing doll’s heart dead-center. Dye burst open in an instant!

“Contestant Fu Congxiao—sniper kill complete! Time: eight minutes, fifty seconds!”

Snake and bird descendants throughout the auditorium sucked in cold breaths.

So brutal!! So hot!! Absolutely slaying!!!

The runner-up clocked in at twelve minutes thirty, third place at fifteen twenty.

The three students filed back into the auditorium one by one to receive awards and pose for photos with the school leaders.

Spotlights swept over the lean youth, igniting fresh waves of cheers.

“So badass—Fu Congxiao—”

“Attaboy!! Snake Descendants just flipped the script!!”

“Senior Brother, this way—say cheese!!”

The young man accepted his award with dashing confidence, not a bead of sweat in sight.

Professor Zhou nodded in approval. “Excellent. Both my students took the event golds—my bonus this month is locked in.”

Shang Xi suddenly choked on his cola.

“They get bonuses too,” Professor Zhou said, thumping his back. “This weekend, dinner on me for the Master’s Group—Haidilao or Japanese all-you-can-eat buffet. You pick!”

On the walk back to the dorms, laughter and excited chatter filled the air, the night breeze warm and pleasant.

Fu Congxiao strolled beside Shang Xi, waiting for the praise he was sure was coming.

Shang Xi hummed a cheerful tune, blissfully ignoring the evening’s events.

Fu Congxiao found it baffling.

Wasn’t the swimming match way more entertaining?

How come this dummy had gushed over him like a rainbow candy commercial during the daytime 800-meter, all hugs and hype, but now acted like it was no big deal?

Shang Xi sensed something and halted under a streetlamp, turning to look at him.

Fu Congxiao was nearly an adult now.

He carried the vibrant energy of youth alongside the striking handsomeness of young manhood.

The warm yellow glow made the snake scales at the corners of his eyes gleam like cold jade.

Fu Congxiao waited for him to speak, a flicker of unease stirring inside.

Was he mad?

Little Nightingale drawled in imitation: “Senior Brother Congxiao’s legs—so long and straight—perfect for wearing a military uniform—”

“Senior Fu is so handsome—I really want to touch his waist—”

Fu Congxiao was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter.

Shang Xi still wouldn’t stop: “Brother Xiao’s eyes are so pretty—”

Fu Congxiao took a step forward, nearly pressing right up against him, his eyes brimming with amusement.

“Is that so?”

Shang Xi’s ear tips instantly turned red.

They were so close that he could see the translucent black pupils, as well as the emerald hue of every snake scale.

Senior Brother’s collar hung half-open, the silver-white neck ring dangling at his collarbone. Shang Xi couldn’t help but steal another glance.

“Keep going,” Fu Congxiao said with a teasing smile. “I like hearing it—say a few more.”

Shang Xi murmured softly: “Fine, I won’t tease you anymore.”

Fu Congxiao wasn’t so easily appeased. He slowly leaned down, calling his name.

“Shang Xi…”

Old Zhou called out from afar: “Hey! There you are!”

Shang Xi jolted. “Right here!!”

Old Zhou hurried over, red envelopes in hand. Noticing how close they were standing, he grew a little wary. “Your relationship is totally pure, right? You two wouldn’t be sneaking off for a date here, would you?”

Fu Congxiao: “No need.”

Shang Xi: “…Teacher, what’s your deal?!!”

“Psh, just messing around.” Old Zhou handed the big red envelope to Fu Congxiao and slipped the small one to Shang Xi.

“Fresh bonus money—this is my share from the academy. Here’s a little extra luck for you. Your prizes for those awards will all be handed out together at the closing ceremony.”

Shang Xi opened his and felt a spark of joy.

Eighty-eight yuan and eighty cents—so generous!

Zhou Baofu yawned. “Alright, I’m heading back to sleep. See you tomorrow!”

Little Nightingale cheerfully said bye to the teacher, pocketed his red envelope, and kept walking.

Fu Congxiao strolled behind him, hands in his pockets, letting the slanted streetlights cast their shadows to slowly overlap.

“Senior Brother!” Shang Xi spun around, his smile radiant. “The professor gave me a red envelope too! He’s such a nice guy!”

Fu Congxiao gave a lazy hum in response.

You’re such a dummy.