First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 94
Chapter 94: Celebrity
Lian Sheng followed with an amused "Oh?"—someone actually came to challenge her?
"Probably because you've gained quite a reputation recently, and as just a military academy student, you seem easy to handle. For those seeking fame, you're the perfect stepping stone," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "Many have inquired, but your challenge fee is set high, and no one's actually paid yet."
Compared to the Bulbs, Lian Sheng's price was the highest, though her skills were indeed slightly inferior. Combined with Hundred Meter Flying Dagger's own fame and reputation on Sanyao, this challenge wasn't entirely unexpected.
The Bulbs suspected Hundred Meter Flying Dagger's double fee was to blame.
Bright Bulb asked, "What's the name of this brave little darling?"
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger glanced at the message: "Xia Yanfeng."
Super Bright Bulb frowned. "Sounds familiar."
Bright Bulb stroked his chin. "I think so too."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger tilted his head in thought. "Very familiar."
It was that frustrating feeling of the name being on the tip of their tongues but stuck in their throats. They just couldn't recall.
The three of them looked at Lian Sheng. She shook her head. "Never heard of her."
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger waved it off. "If none of us can remember right away, it means she's just some irrelevant person. No big deal."
"The holidays are early this year, so your finals will be coming up soon. Are you prepared for your exams?"
Lian Sheng looked up, refusing to answer that question.
Hundred Meter Flying Dagger: "..."
Bright Bulb said, "Then let's schedule it for after the holidays. Focus on your studies—academic performance is crucial for your future, especially in the Command Department."
"My inbox is overflowing. I need to log off and deal with it. You guys figure things out," Hundred Meter Flying Dagger said. "I'll push it to next month anyway. We'll finalize the match format later."
He turned to Lian Sheng. "Don't worry, I only scam outsiders."
After Hundred Meter Flying Dagger logged off, Lian Sheng looked at the two Bulbs. "Shall we continue? Another couple of matches?"
"Sure." Bright Bulb nodded. "I've seen your swordplay demonstrations. Your style isn't suited for the greatswords used on mechs—do you have other techniques?"
The three of them spent some time on Sanyao discussing the matter.
Bright Bulb was a retired soldier, so he had a deeper understanding of the current landscape. His experience allowed him to offer pinpoint suggestions for improvement.
Joining the studio had truly been a great learning opportunity.
The next afternoon, students began trickling back to campus, and Lian Sheng's roommates returned as well.
"Hubby~"
Roommate C skipped in, bouncing up to her and clasping her hands. "We're here on behalf of the Materials Engineering Academy to discuss filming a short-weapons promotional video with you."
Lian Sheng walked to the center of the living room. "That fast?"
"Of course! The professors already picked the team during the break. We have to keep up with the Military Academy's pace," Roommate A said. "They selected about a dozen of us last-minute and gave us a few short-weapons tests. Luckily, we all passed."
Lian Sheng smiled. "Impressive."
"Of course." Roommate A puffed up proudly. "We've been copying your homework for two years—if we couldn't even make the cut now, that'd just be embarrassing."
The other two chuckled mischievously.
So the four of them sat around the table, and the three roommates pulled out their design drafts for her to review and adjust the finer details.
The length, thickness, material, weight—any minor variation could make a huge difference to the wielder. A well-suited weapon was incredibly rare. Even the same blacksmith couldn't forge two identical blades.
Every weapon had its own uniqueness. Over time, you could feel it, weigh it, see it—but you could never quite put it into words.
Lian Sheng missed her old sword dearly. Sadly, she might never find it again.
She gestured at the design's shape, but her roommates just stared blankly.
Lian Sheng tilted her head and sighed. "Never mind. It's fine. These will do."
Midway through their discussion, Lian Sheng's optical computer lit up.
Alliance University Military Academy: "Back on campus? Got time now?"
Military Academy: "About the filming. We need a team—any suggestions?"
Lian Sheng placed the device on the table, puzzled. "A team? Do I have to find people myself? Shouldn't they arrange that?"
"This is a good thing!" Roommate C clapped. "This project is spearheaded by your Military Academy. They'll assign a few core technical staff, but they're asking if you want to add some 'family members.' The university is clearly planning to heavily promote this. Just having your name attached would be a shiny credential."
Normally, such events wouldn't offer this much leeway. But this time, it revolved entirely around Lian Sheng. Hearing that ancient martial arts schools were often secretive about their techniques, the faculty was moved by her willingness to step forward and fully cooperate without making demands. As encouragement, they gave her this special privilege.
The Military Academy added: "Preferably not too many, or it'll dilute the prestige. And the students should meet certain standards. Forcing unqualified people in would look bad."
Lian Sheng asked, "How many spots are there?"
Military Academy: "We'll have supervisors and honorary advisors. Preferably no more than fifty. We've reserved about twenty slots for you. Those on the list will need to contribute too."
Lian Sheng said, "Then add everyone from the team that helped with the gala—twelve people including me. Then I'll pick a few more... Ye Buqing, Cheng Ze, Fang Jianchen, Lu Mingyuan, Zhou Shirui... That should be enough."
The other end took half a minute to reply.
Military Academy: "Understood. We were planning to invite Lu Mingyuan and the others anyway. Anyone else?"
Lian Sheng: "Quality over quantity."
Military Academy: "We appreciate your understanding and support. The Military Academy is proud of you."
Lian Sheng: "What about my credits and finals..."
Military Academy: "..."
Military Academy: "I can speak to your professors about lowering standards within reason. But Alliance University has strict evaluation systems, and we must ensure fairness for other students. So please keep working hard."
Military Academy: "If this project is designated as an Alliance-supported initiative, team members can earn Alliance-level awards worth five credits each. Awards don't stack—only the highest counts."
Lian Sheng: "Thanks."
Military Academy: "I'll contact the students you mentioned. If they're willing, I'll send their contact info to your device. Updates will follow. Thank you for your cooperation."
After the conversation ended, Lian Sheng set down her optical computer.
Roommate A said, "I think the selection is pretty much guaranteed. Even though the Alliance doesn't emphasize national boundaries, there are still many of ancient Huaxia descent. Like in our Third District capital—most people there are. They've always wanted to promote ancient martial arts, especially after the invention of transducers, but never had the right opportunity."
"Our moment to etch our names in history has arrived!" Roommate C cheered. "Follow hubby, ascend to immortality!"
That evening, the faculty advisor sent her everyone's contact info—though Lian Sheng already had them all.
The short film's main workload would fall on the students. Once they finalized plans and drafted proposals, they'd submit them for adjustments and approval. The advisor assigned a coordinator to handle official documents, summaries, and communications.
To discuss workflows and delegate tasks, they arranged a meeting.
Booking a classroom was troublesome, so they just met in the cafeteria. Tables could be rearranged, and the atmosphere was more relaxed.
Lian Sheng went with her roommates.
"Goddess! General Lian!" A male student pushed through the crowd, moved. "Nobody stop me—I'm kneeling to her!"
"First, kowtow on behalf of Dad. He's too old to kneel now."
"Kowtow three times for me, to show respect."
"All of you, scram!"
As Lian Sheng approached, they automatically made space, clearing a spot for her.
Everyone was in high spirits.
"But is this really okay? We probably can't contribute much. Feels a bit guilty just taking up slots," one guy said sheepishly. "And we haven't known each other long enough to call it a favor..."
Lian Sheng said, "Nonsense. You helped a lot before. Besides, I genuinely need people—strong, quick learners to spar with. Martial arts isn't a solo performance; it's about paired drills."
The guys laughed in relief. "That works. We're tough and durable—perfect for beating up. Drill us however you want."
Fang Jianchen sat to the side, covering his mouth as he sneakily glanced at her. When their eyes met, he bashfully looked down.
"..." Lian Sheng got goosebumps. "What's wrong with you?"
Fang Jianchen coughed, straightened his collar, and smiled. "I didn't expect... that you'd remember me at all times. I understand."
Lian Sheng: "..."
Cheng Ze patted his head. "Too long single—hallucinating. Forgive him."
Fang Jianchen turned and bared his teeth at him.
"I might be pretty busy lately," Lu Mingyuan said apologetically, adjusting his glasses. "But if you give me the script, I can handle it. I just won't have time for brainstorming and planning."
"I'm a sophomore with a lighter course load, and I want practice. I can take care of planning and scripts," Zhou Shirui said, then asked, "Any preferences for the setting?"
Lian Sheng shrugged. "Not really. I'll just fight—you guys can improvise the rest."
"But ideally, you'd fight first, we'd add the background, then you'd redo the exact same moves to match. That way, the lighting looks more natural," Zhou Shirui said. "So if you have a feel for the setting, that'd help. Otherwise, positioning might look off."
Lian Sheng crossed her arms. "Do I seem like that kind of person?"
Everyone shook their heads in unison.
Lian Sheng asked, "Any other questions?"
After exchanging glances, they shook their heads. The rest could be handled internally.
So they wrapped up work discussions in two minutes and moved on to casual chatter.
Roommate C stretched. "Working with hubby is so smooth and easy."
Fang Jianchen slumped on the table. "Are you really going to fight Xia Yanfeng in a large-scale battle?"
It took Lian Sheng a couple of seconds to recall such an obscure person. "How do you know about that?"
Fang Jianchen blinked. "Doesn't everyone?"
Lian Sheng: "Why?"
Roommate C: "Because Xia Yanfeng... posted it on her profile?"
Lian Sheng paused. "Why?"
"Because..." Roommate C hesitated. "She's famous?"
Lian Sheng picked up her optical computer to search. "Is she some military prodigy? Command or combat?"
Roommate C wasn't part of that circle either and was equally stumped. She glanced at the others uncertainly. "Is she? Probably? Her scores are pretty high."
"She's nothing special—just a fraud," Fang Jianchen grumbled. "She leeches off others' matches to farm points. Knows a bunch of retired soldiers and stays chummy with them. And she's not even a military celebrity—just a regular star."
Roommate A timidly said, "A regular star wouldn't have hundreds of thousands of points on Sanyao, right?"
Fang Jianchen corrected, "A regular star who likes playing Sanyao, leeches matches, has military connections, and can't handle losing."
Roommate C shuddered, her worldview shaken. "She's got tens of millions of followers—that's not exactly... a regular star, is it?"
Fang Jianchen mused, "She is pretty famous. But not for her match records."
Lian Sheng pulled up Xia Yanfeng's profile. Her latest post read:
"Went to Hundred Meter Flying Dagger's studio for combat training on a whim. Scheduled a match with the Ancient Martial Arts Grandmaster after her exams next month. Going up against a master—cheer for me!"
The comments below were hard for Lian Sheng to stomach. She disliked being reduced to dirt by strangers to highlight someone else's brilliance—especially when it involved crude language.
Roommate C studied her expression. "Ignore them. They're just hyping their idol—they'll say anything."
Lian Sheng scrolled further, brows furrowing. "Have you fought her before?"
Cheng Ze mercilessly exposed him: "He lost."
"That wasn't my fault! No matter where I went, her fanatical allies would report my location—and I'm a sniper!" Fang Jianchen bristled, slamming the table. "I'm just a sniper!!"
A sniper constantly exposed in broad daylight—what kind of joke was that?
Fans might find it endearing, but he certainly didn't. Matches should be fair and serious, not turned into her personal amusement. This behavior was downright insulting to those who painstakingly grinded matches for points.
What was there to gloat about in victories like that?
Fang Jianchen huffed. "That was the most disgusting match I've ever played."
Roommate A said, "She probably wants to be like Liliana. She's already got fame—now she wants prestige."
Lian Sheng suddenly barked, "Who?!"
Everyone jumped. Roommate C: "The military's poster girl?"
Fang Jianchen snorted. "The military has plenty of beauties and gimmicks, but there's only one Liliana. Why? Because she earned her reputation through real combat—not by posing for photos in some office."
A male student said, "But she is famous. The military often invites her to open ceremonies. Insiders might not think much of her, but her massive fanbase already sees her as the next Liliana."
Cheng Ze sighed. "Her influence is substantial. Even the military academies have plenty of her fans."
Lian Sheng asked, "Is Liliana that impressive?"
Fang Jianchen glanced at her. "Haven't seen her in person. She's Expeditionary Force—decorated but low-key, only occasionally appearing in photos. But she was part of the championship team in the military academy league back then. We've seen her footage."
"Liliana is exceptional. Even within the Expeditionary Force, her combat skills are top-tier. She's beautiful, but you shouldn't focus on her looks," Lu Mingyuan said mildly. "Xia Yanfeng might be strong among celebrities, but from a data analysis perspective, she lacks value. She'd be better off acting."
The male student said, "No way she'd act now. She's already deified—time to climb higher."
Lian Sheng nodded thoughtfully.
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