A small window was pulled open on the iron door, and inside, a pair of cold, bright eyes looked Gao Xuan up and down.
The other person was silent for a while before pulling open the iron door.
The heavy iron door's hinges made a dry, twisting sound that could be heard far along the corridor.
"You look so reluctant. What, don't want to serve the guests?"
Gao Xuan walked in grandiosely, "I'm telling you, even if you're the top, you can't act so conceited."
An expression of surprise flashed across 33's eyes. 088 usually had a lot to say, but today seemed a bit out of character.
First, he wore sunglasses, and his eyes behind them were actually closed. Moreover, there was an air of indulgent flair between 088's brows.
In this base, all the trainees lived very cautiously. Any trainee who let themselves go was long dead.
More importantly, not even the sunglasses could conceal the overwhelming confidence exuding from 088's expression.
It was as if a slave had suddenly flipped the tables and become the master. The person hadn't changed, but their essence and spirit were completely different.
088's change left 33 feeling a bit at a loss.
The fierce competition made the multitude of trainees wary and hostile towards each other.
But, her relationship with 088 was different.
On the surface, they ignored each other, even feigned hostility, but privately they were partners, comrades, life-and-death companions, brothers.
"Seeing your confused look, don't worry, I haven't gone crazy."
Gao Xuan said domineeringly, "Today, we're going to take down those who bullied us, demand justice, and reclaim our lost freedom!"
Gao Xuan took a deep, indulgent breath, "The air of freedom really is sweet."
33 was silent for a moment before saying, "What's your plan?"
"I like how calm and meticulous you are, acting only after careful planning!"
Gao Xuan was very pleased, as 33 didn't foolishly ask why he'd gone mad, nor did she hesitate, but instead directly asked about the plan.
This was decisiveness and also a sign of trust in him.
33 slightly furrowed her brows, "Don't waste time."
Private contact between team members was strictly prohibited. Even though they had passed hellish training and were soon to leave the base.
This rule still held.
There were cameras everywhere in the corridor, and Gao Xuan's movements would definitely alarm the security team.
According to 33's estimation, they'd arrive within ten minutes. Whatever 088 planned to do, he needed to hurry.
33's face was beautiful, but a purple-red scar ran slantingly across it, making the entire face appear somewhat ferocious due to the scar's contraction.
Due to the scar, when she frowned, one eyebrow was higher than the other. Thankfully, her bright eyes saved everything, making her look extraordinarily vivacious.
Gao Xuan knew that this scar was self-inflicted by 33 to prevent others from coveting her looks and to reduce trouble.
Surviving in the base, female trainees had it tougher than the males.
"No rush, we have plenty of time."
Gao Xuan gently smoothed 33's furrowed brows. Her eyebrows were black, bright, and long, with naturally arched brow peaks. The raised brows were exceptionally beautiful.
33 was not accustomed to such physical contact. She clenched her fists tightly, her entire body's muscles poised to erupt into action.
Only Gao Xuan dared approach like this; if anyone else tried, 33 would definitely blow their head off with a punch.
Gao Xuan understood 33's tension, comforting her, he said, "Why are you so nervous? You're not even as good-looking as me. I score a hundred on looks, you only get ten."
33's body slowly relaxed as she thought seriously for a moment, "Two."
"Hahaha, you don't need to be so modest."
Gao Xuan laughed and said, "Before revolting, we have one more important thing to do."
33 said nothing, only looking at Gao Xuan to indicate he should hurry and speak.
"We are humans, not machines. We must have our own names and not just use a number to represent ourselves."
Gao Xuan seriously told 33, "Remember, my name is Gao Xuan, not 088."
33 seemed to understand but also not. She had grown up in the base, learning only combat and killing skills. She didn't have a deep understanding of these things.
Gao Xuan or 088, to her, there wasn't much difference.
Gao Xuan didn't care if 33 understood. He grabbed her shoulders firmly and said, "I remember your surname is Yun. From this day forth, your name will be Yun Qingshang. Yun as in cloud, Qing as in clear as water, Shang as in a dress."
"Got it?"
Yun Qingshang hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"What's your name?"
"Yun, Qingshang!"
Gao Xuan nodded approvingly with a smile, "Very good, Comrade Yun Qingshang, let's get to work!"
Yun Qingshang said nothing, only the bright eyes burning with intense combat intent.
The ceremonial naming was not important; fighting alongside Gao Xuan was what truly mattered.
Gao Xuan curiously asked, "Aren't you scared?"
He was unafraid because he was reborn, had everything under control, and was confidently assured.
Yun Qingshang, knowing nothing, still chose to rebel with him, which, from a power comparison standpoint, was a fool's errand.
Yun Qingshang coolly replied, "Only death awaits."
Gao Xuan was somewhat moved, "A true man! Amazing!"
He then comforted, "Don't worry, bro will take you flying!"
The trainees of the underground base were all six or seven years old when they entered.
From a young age, they underwent various brainwashing teachings, demanding loyalty to the organization from everyone.
Children have no sense of right or wrong, nor the ability to differentiate between good and bad.
This brainwashing was very effective. Even if trainees were killed during training, their loyalty to the organization was extraordinary.
However, there would always be some who developed a sense of resistance.
Children never hide their feelings. Those with a rebellious spirit were quickly eliminated. Even their bodies would be used to feed sharks.
The combination of brainwashing, cold, cruel, and high-pressure tactics eventually turned all the trainees into the shape desired by the organization.
Gao Xuan and Yun Qingshang were exceptions. Both hated the base deeply but lacked the strength to do anything, forcing them to endure bitterly.
If Gao Xuan hadn't been reborn, the two would have left the base smoothly to serve the Blood God Association outside.
Years later, Yun Qingshang died tragically in battle saving him.
Gao Xuan barely escaped, hiding in the shadows patiently waiting for an opportunity for revenge.
But even a century later, as humanity faced extinction, he never discovered the real mastermind behind the Blood God Association.
Ultimately, a galaxy-destroying explosion sent Gao Xuan back to being eighteen, giving him a chance to start over.
This time point was just right.
The Beikun Icefield Underground Base was a minuscule project within the Blood God Association.
The trainees were set to hold a graduation ceremony, and Zhou Lang had been staying at the base these days.
Zhou Lang was far superior to the old and frail Xu Hui; he absolutely wouldn't expect that among the trainees, someone could kill him!
Just based on this, Gao Xuan already held the winning card.
Yun Qingshang, too, was a loyal warrior tested by time, worthy of trust.
Gao Xuan took out a Ruby Brooch from his pocket and said to Yun Qingshang, "This thing is called Crimson Heart, it randomly generates tattoos every day, giving the wearer prolonged intense pain. Once worn, the pain will accompany you for life."
"Cough cough…"
Gao Xuan awkwardly added, "And it may cause random bleeding, but you women are skilled at handling this, just prepare plenty of pads…"
"What's the use?"
Though Crimson Heart was beautiful and its negative effects bizarre, Yun Qingshang only cared about its utility.
"A Silver Level marvel, it can change its external form according to the host's will, offering immense protective power, and enhancing host's speed and reaction. It's one of the most suitable Silver Level marvels for combat.
You can think of it as High-Tier Biochemical Armor. Finding it in the underground vault was truly lucky."
Gao Xuan felt somewhat emotional, getting the Crimson Heart was truly an unexpected joy.
At this stage, Crimson Heart was no weaker than the Godslaying Sword, and its applicability far exceeded the Godslaying Sword by a hundred times.
The fact that Crimson Heart could freely transform meant that it could turn not only into protective armor but also weapons, even altering a person's form and appearance. It was very freakish.
"A good thing."
Having undergone Hell-like cultivation, Yun Qingshang was long accustomed to pain. The negative effects of Crimson Heart were no issue for her.
"You don't ask why I'm giving Crimson Heart to you?"
Yun Qingshang replied, "Is there a need?"
She disliked doing useless things, saying meaningless words. Since Gao Xuan was giving her the Crimson Heart, she would not refuse courteously.
Even if Crimson Heart caused fatal harm, it meant nothing.
Back then, in absolute despair, Gao Xuan saved her.
From that moment, Gao Xuan became her beacon, dispelling endless darkness, coldness, and cruelty.
Gao Xuan was her sole compass in this brutal world. With Gao Xuan, she could determine her position, confirm her existence.
She was willing to trust Gao Xuan unconditionally, even obey him blindly.
Thus, when Gao Xuan talked about rebellion, she agreed without hesitation.
Though she hated the base, she hadn't thought to resist or fight. The disparity in power was too great; resistance was merely seeking death.
But since Gao Xuan wanted to resist, wanted to fight, she would resolutely follow him.
She wouldn't talk about this with Gao Xuan, nor was there a need to.
Gao Xuan sighed, "Alright, you trust me so much. I'm quite moved."
He explained, "Actually, only beautiful and pure women can wear the Crimson Heart. Even if I had surgery, I couldn't use it."
"Oh."
Yun Qingshang's indifferent reaction made Gao Xuan feel his explanation was a complete waste of time.
Irritated, he said, "Are you ready, it will hurt a bit. But I believe you can endure it. 1, 2…"
Just as he counted to 2, Gao Xuan thrust the Crimson Heart into Yun Qingshang's heart; this thing needs to penetrate the heart and establish a close link with the host to be effective.
Although Gao Xuan had his eyes closed, he could still clearly observe Yun Qingshang's anguished expression, notice her trembling body, see the sweat dripping from her forehead, neck, and back, observe her paper-white face.
Yun Qingshang was always resilient; to make her lose composure this way meant the Crimson Heart's effect was truly unbearable.
Gao Xuan said, "Follow me in saying, under the crimson sky, pain is the only reality."
"Under the crimson sky, pain is the only reality."