Chapter Sixty: A Life Has Been Lost

Chapter Sixty: Trouble Has Led to a Life Lost

When Xia Zhen walked out of Azure Hospital, his mind was still muddled. After Shen Tu Yue called Shen Tu Wan Hua into the office, the two had discussed the apparently spur-of-the-moment foundation, with Xia Zhen occasionally interjecting. Though he wasn’t clear on the exact scale, from their descriptions, it seemed poised to become one of the top ten foundations in the Federation.

At present, the "Evernight City Recovery Foundation" served only one person—Xia Zhen. The foundation would assemble a comprehensive team to support his growth.

“It still feels unrealistic. Whatever, it’s your foundation, not mine. I’ll make my own decisions,” he had stated his stance clearly, and Shen Tu Yue promised that the foundation would provide resources and support only, never meddling in his actions. With that reassurance, Xia Zhen reluctantly agreed to be the foundation’s vice president.

At least it was something. Xia Zhen called Chen Xiu to arrange a meeting place, then took a cab, considering whether he should buy a car.

Meanwhile, three thousand kilometers away in the southern border, just twenty kilometers from the Evernight City outpost, lay a small city—Ningyuan.

Once a satellite city of Evernight, after Evernight fell, Ningyuan allied with the outpost as the frontline in the battle to retake Evernight, keeping the Blood Tribe locked inside.

Two months prior, the Blood Tribe launched a surprise attack on humanity. Although no king-level Bloods appeared, many human ability-users died, including two top-tier S-class first-rankers.

The news infuriated the Federation and the military, who dispatched tens of thousands of reinforcements. S-class experts were summoned, among them Shen Hua.

Before heading to Portland, Shen Hua had been semi-retired. If not for Chu Yan’s letter, she might have stayed hidden. After several months with Xia Zhen, her calm was replaced by renewed vigor, so when the summons came, she didn’t hesitate.

Arriving in Ningyuan, she found the human defenses under immense pressure. Even within the city, Blood Tribe members—though none above S-class—caused severe harm.

Shen Hua fought alongside other ability-users, and with her overwhelming power, quickly shifted the tide. But this time, the Blood Tribe’s counterattack was fierce; tens of thousands stormed the lines, making each day’s battle grueling and brutal.

Over the next two months, Shen Hua led a thousand ability-users, slaying thousands of Blood Tribe warriors and successfully reclaiming Ningyuan. Her fame soared, and some openly called her the “Goddess of War,” recognizing her strength.

After reclaiming Ningyuan, Shen Hua didn’t rest; she led fighters to support the Evernight outpost. Good news arrived from other fronts: the Blood Tribe was retreating, driven back, while human reinforcements poured in, boosting morale. The Blood Tribe, suffering heavy losses and with their kings yet to appear, saw their own spirits wane.

That day, Shen Hua, as usual, left her tent and headed to the temporary camp’s dining hall. Several young female ability-hunters awaited her, bringing her a hearty breakfast. Shen Hua accepted without ceremony; she was close to them, like sisters.

“Hua, look, General Du Hong is coming for you again,” one of the girls nudged her.

Shen Hua looked up, frowning. She didn’t like the man from the military, despite his excellence.

Eugene Du Hong came from a noble family; at twenty-seven, he was already a major general, famed across the Federation. Rumor had it he had a well-matched fiancée, but he seemed unsatisfied and sought to court Shen Hua.

General Du Hong was tall, lacking the usual bulk of a soldier; instead, he was refined, with striking features and naturally curly golden hair. He was popular in camp, with countless women infatuated.

“Miss Shen, would you mind sharing a cup of coffee?” Du Hong smiled charmingly, his noble bearing elegant.

Though the other women knew he wasn’t flirting with them, they blushed and their hearts raced.

But Shen Hua was unmoved, replying coldly, “Sorry, General Du Hong, we’re at war, the front is tense. Coffee will have to wait.” She tore her bread and stuffed it into her mouth.

Her face was pale, and her frown wasn’t just because of Du Hong; she felt a pain in her abdomen.

“What’s going on? I’ve been feeling unwell lately. It shouldn’t happen—my constitution far exceeds most ability-users.” Shen Hua grew uneasy.

Her expression, appearing to ignore Du Hong, made him feel awkward, especially in front of so many ability-users.

“Why should a dignified Federal major general lower himself for this woman?” Du Hong seethed inwardly, but outwardly remained composed. “Very well, then. When the Evernight campaign ends, we’ll drink together.” He turned away, his poise enchanting even more women.

The girls chattered around Shen Hua:

“Hua, General Du Hong is a good catch; don’t set your standards too high.”

“That’s right, we women only have so many years of youth, don’t waste them.”

“His family is a century-old lineage; if you married in, you’d have endless blessings.”

Shen Hua endured her pain, unable to taste her food, finally crushing the remaining half of the bread into a ball the size of a ping-pong.

“Enough! My business is none of yours!” Shen Hua stood, and her anger silenced the others. The title “Goddess of War” was well-earned; many had witnessed her power on the front lines and few dared defy her.

But as she rose, she felt something wrong—a sudden, intense pain, the world spinning, darkness closing in.

She staggered, nearly falling.

“Hua, are you alright?” a companion asked, concerned.

Shen Hua activated the secret technique of the “Divine Tempering Method,” forcibly suppressing her discomfort, regaining composure. She shook her head and instructed her companions, “I have something to handle. Be careful on the front line later; follow our usual rhythm and you’ll be safe, understood?”

“Yes, Hua,” the others agreed, not daring to disobey.

Shen Hua left camp, quickly making her way to a dense forest and sitting cross-legged. As an ability-user, she understood her body better than any doctor.

A thought had crossed her mind, prompting her to leave camp to confirm it.

No need for pulse reading; mental introspection sufficed. Her consciousness descended from her brain to her womb, revealing the scene she suspected: her body was unknowingly nurturing a formed life.

Perhaps frightened or stimulated, the fragile life was now suffocating.

Shen Hua immediately intervened, correcting the fetal position and calming the tiny life.

“A Zhen…” she murmured Xia Zhen’s nickname, gazing at the life within.

When her consciousness returned, she found tear stains on her cheeks—not sadness or regret, but joy. Yes, she didn’t regret it; even though that night, perhaps she hadn’t wanted everything to happen with Xia Zhen.

Shen Hua had always believed she’d never love another man after him, until Chu Yan told her over the phone that he’d met someone with the same qualities—less accomplished, but with immense potential—and asked if she’d like to mentor him.

Thus, Shen Hua emerged from seclusion, went to Portland, met the one with those qualities, and after their relationship, grew afraid to face Xia Zhen, fleeing to Ningyuan.

How to face Xia Zhen was a question she pondered—being teacher and disciple was impossible, but as spouses… she was indecisive. After all, she knew Xia Zhen and Na Lan Sheng were close, possibly even in love.

But upon seeing the child within her, all her doubts vanished. When a woman becomes a mother, she becomes strong—not for herself, but for her child. Besides, she didn’t believe she’d lose to Na Lan Sheng, that naive girl; the allure of a mature woman far surpassed that of a young girl, as Xia Zhen’s passion that night proved.

Yet Shen Hua didn’t want Xia Zhen to see her merely as an object of desire. If he desired her without love, she’d leave with the child, disappearing forever.

After nurturing herself, she took out her phone and sent Xia Zhen a message: “A Zhen, I’m carrying your child. You’re going to be a father.”

After sending it, she regretted it, but reassured herself that Xia Zhen wouldn’t be like the classic scoundrels on TV, telling her to abort for his own future. If he dared, she’d fly to Portland and kill him, then raise the child herself as a single mother.

Soon, Xia Zhen replied: “…………”

On the other side in Portland, Xia Zhen was discussing investment plans and future dreams with Chen Xiu when he received the message. He was stunned, and after replying, excitedly grabbed Chen Xiu’s shoulders, exclaiming, “Chen Xiu, I’m going to be a father…”

“Huh? A Zhen, can you get drunk on juice? Boss, get over here—did you spike your juice with alcohol? My friend’s drunk…” Chen Xiu stormed off to confront the owner, while Xia Zhen hurriedly called Shen Hua, only to find her line busy.

He hung up and tried again—still busy. Again and again, always busy…

Meanwhile, Shen Hua tried calling Xia Zhen, but his line was busy. She hung up, tried again—still busy, over and over.

“You rascal, just wait—I’m coming back to chop you up!” Flushed with anger, Shen Hua hurled her phone, which shattered pitifully. Remembering the child in her womb, her rage dissipated, and she smiled, comforting herself, “I’m a mother-to-be now, I can’t get angry, absolutely not.” She even mimicked a pregnant woman’s walk, laughing at herself.

On the other end, Xia Zhen heard, “Sorry, the number you dialed is switched off…”

“Huh? Master’s angry—damn, what should I do? I have to find her!” Xia Zhen didn’t bother with Chen Xiu, who was arguing with the owner. He wanted to buy a ticket, but realized he didn’t know where to find Shen Hua, so he had no choice but to go home and explain to his parents.