ABRIWMTHM Chapter 42

The barrier supported by mental power enveloped everyone, snowflakes filled the sky, and as they moved through the wind and snow, the air around the group seemed to be solidified, unaffected by the weather at all.

Chi Yao led the way, striding forward with confidence while Shi Xing followed closely behind on his right side. A closer look would reveal that the two had remarkably synchronized movements as they walked.

Yes, apart from Xu Jin, who served as his teacher, Chi Yao personally taught Shi Xing some of the etiquette as well.

The line of people wasn’t short, but all accompanying personnel were well-trained. Aside from the rustling sounds of snow underfoot, only the howling wind could be heard around them.

At some point, Shi Xing glanced back, suddenly recalling their first meeting in his previous life at the Tree Nest, where Chi Yao had been surrounded by an orderly group of people. At that time, Shi Xing had felt a vast difference in their identities and statuses… Now, unexpectedly, he had also become one of this group.

While feeling a slight sentimentality about fate, Shi Xing felt a great sense of stability, as if he had found a sense of belonging.

He seemed to have discovered his place.

“Your Majesty, good day.”

As they approached, the resounding unified greetings of the Seventh Army greeted him, and the crowd bowed in respect.

“Good day,” Chi Yao replied with a nod.

His voice was laced with mental power, sweeping through all the greeting personnel.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chi Yao turned to his side, prompting Shi Xing to step forward.

“This is Shi Xing. He was seen previously in communication, and I’m sure the Seventh Army is well aware of his circumstances, so I won’t elaborate,” Chi Yao said to the reception team.

“Shi Xing, this is Marshal Tan Bai Shan.”

“This is Lady Tan, who comes from Campbell Star. Her marriage to the Empire happened over a hundred years ago, and everyone usually refers to her as Lady Campbell.”

Marshal Tan nodded at Shi Xing, his expression resolute and posture strong, exuding a soldier’s vigor in every move.

Lady Campbell had a noble and elegant demeanor. She smiled gently at Shi Xing, her striking features showing no signs of aging.

“This is their second son, Tan Wen, who is also Yun Wu’s partner; you’re familiar with Yun Wu,” Chi Yao continued.

Tan Wen perfectly inherited Lady Campbell’s refined features, his demeanor immaculate, yet he bore a resemblance to Marshal Tan.

“No need to mention Tan Yan; you know him well.”

“This is Tan Mei, their youngest daughter. She’s about your age, so you might find some common topics to discuss in the Northern Territory.”

Tan Mei had a round face, and her features appeared less intricate; however, her smile radiated friendliness, and her demeanor was oddly endearing.

Shi Xing took note of everyone, offering an appropriate smile to each.

Chi Yao paused briefly, but Shi Xing had already turned to the next person.

This next individual stood out amongst the Tan family. In fact, he was dressed quite differently from everyone else in the welcoming team.

He was wearing far too many layers.

A pale-faced young man had features that hinted at the bloodlines of Marshal Tan and Lady Campbell, but as he was wrapped in a thick plush cloak, against the backdrop of swirling snow, he looked as if he might melt into the crystalline landscape if he wasn’t standing with the Seventh Army.

Shi Xing’s heart suddenly contracted.

In a daze, he seemed to catch a glimpse of himself on the verge of death.

During those final moments, when his mental sea had dried up, he too…

After blinking again, the scene before Shi Xing changed once more. Everyone displayed a spectrum of colors due to their distinct mental powers, except for the young man in front of him, whose enveloping mental power appeared gray, nearly indistinguishable from its original hue.

Chi Yao’s voice resonated again, carrying a somber tone, “This is Marshal Tan’s eldest son, Tan Chi, who has made extraordinary contributions to the Empire.”

The introduction brought Shi Xing back to reality, and he quickly closed his eyes and shook his head.

Tan Chi smiled and nodded at Shi Xing, who noticed this moment, leaving him momentarily stunned. Chi Yao also noticed Shi Xing’s slight movement. “What’s wrong?”

Shi Xing felt apologetic, “I’m sorry, my control over my abilities isn’t quite stable yet.”

Mental power leaking or suddenly dispersing was common for mature Blue Star humans. Having experienced Yun Wu’s maturity period, the people of Tan’s family showed understanding to Shi Xing’s words.

Only Chi Yao lowered his eyes slightly.

“General Tan Chi, hello.”

“Your Highness, hello.”

Chi Yao proceeded to introduce Shi Xing to several Vice Marshals and Generals of the Seventh Army but then stopped. “This location isn’t ideal; I kept everyone waiting in this freezing weather for too long. Let’s proceed like this, and the other officers can be introduced to Shi Xing later.”

Despite the tightly woven mental power surrounding everyone, the harshness of the environment couldn’t be changed.

Thick snow covered the ground, and after a long wait, the cold crept up from his feet.

Clothes from the Northern Territory were designed for warmth and insulation, but Shi Xing did not have such a luxury coming from the Imperial Capital.

As Blue Star humans were known to be frail before their maturity period, Chi Yao made a remark, which Marshal Tan acknowledged. They swiftly ushered everyone onto the pre-prepared spacecraft heading towards the residence arranged for Chi Yao and Shi Xing in the Northern Territory.

Once aboard the spacecraft, Chi Yao asked Shi Xing, “What was it about earlier that caused your abilities to go awry when you looked at Tan Chi? Was it your talent?”

It must be said that Chi Yao was perceptive.

Shi Xing nodded and shared what he had seen with Chi Yao, but hesitated when he reached the end.

Chi Yao encouraged him, “Just say whatever’s on your mind.”

Shi Xing hesitated, “I feel… General Tan Chi’s mental sea might be drying up.”

Everyone on the spacecraft fell momentarily silent.

Xu Jin asked, “Are you sure?”

Shi Xing shook his head, “It’s just a feeling. To confirm, I would need to use my talent to examine him directly.”

In other words, he needed to employ his mental power to look deeper into Tan Chi’s mental sea situation.

Xu Jin appeared dazed, disbelief washing over him, yet there was an unmistakable sorrow on his face. “Tan Chi isn’t much younger than His Highness; he grew up before my eyes… It’s truly such a pity.”

There were many differences between the Empire’s people and Blue Star humans, yet they also shared striking similarities.

The process of the mental sea drying up for Blue Star humans was irreversible. Once it began, the end would result in death.

The Empire was different; their mental seas could be intervened through medical means to halt the drying process. Even if the mental sea completely dried up, it would only mean the loss of abilities and a weakening of bodily strength. Lifespan might still be shortened, but it wouldn’t lead to death.

However… even if the drying of the mental sea among the Empire’s people was reversible, it had to be addressed during the process. If it progressed to complete desiccation, even the finest therapist would be powerless to help.

At that point, it would be referred to as being incapacitated in the Empire.

Fu Qing frowned as he thought of something. “But the Tan family hasn’t mentioned this at all!”

The drying up of the mental sea was no trivial matter; given the Tan family’s significance in Tan Chi’s life, it should not have gone unnoticed.

“Perhaps it’s not that they didn’t mention it,” Chi Yao replied grimly, “but rather they don’t know.”

“I remember that Tan Chi’s illness is difficult to cure because the damage is in the core area of his mental sea.”

“Yun Wu is only an S-ranked therapist; her mental power couldn’t reach deep into Tan Chi’s mental sea.”

In other words, if he was indeed slowly drying up, only Tan Chi himself would know, and he had kept this secret from everyone in the Tan family.

Thinking this through, Fu Qing became uneasy. “Oh no, how will the family accept this?”

Once it had completely dried up, the fluctuations of mental power would cease. Though it could still be hidden for now, sooner or later, the Tan family would discover the truth.

Chi Yao felt some sympathy as well. Shi Xing wanted to say something, but recalling previous matters, he swallowed his words.

Fortunately, Chi Yao initiated the conversation. “Do you think using your talent to look at his mental sea would be difficult?”

Shi Xing shook his head, “Not at all.”

To be fair, “I had no trouble observing Major Xiang Fei’s mental sea with my talent, and regardless of what stage Tan Chi was at with his original mental power at 3S, he’s currently so weak that I could unintentionally trigger my talent when I approach him. Actively using it would be even easier.”

Chi Yao nodded.

Then, lifting his gaze, he looked earnestly at Shi Xing, “Do you remember what you promised me earlier?”

Shi Xing hurriedly replied, “I remember. I will follow your arrangements for every action, and won’t act without permission.”

Shi Xing pledged, “I won’t go against that. Whatever you ask of me, I will do.”

Regardless of whether it could be done or not, his current attitude at the very least was quite proper. Chi Yao nodded again, seemingly satisfied.

The arranged residence was right next to the Marshal’s residence, a three-story small villa that Chi Yao and his party were familiar with, as it was where key figures stayed every time they came to the Northern Territory.

Marshal Tan Bai Shan led Chi Yao to the entrance and then allowed Yun Wu to continue guiding everyone inside.

First, it was inappropriate for so many people to follow them into Chi Yao’s accommodation. Secondly, Chi Yao had asked Yun Wu about something previously, and it seemed he had matters to discuss with her, so Marshal Tan Bai Shan went along with it and allowed Yun Wu to lead their party for the final leg of the journey.

The first floor housed a few soldiers on duty, while officers stayed on the second floor. Chi Yao and his closest followers were on the top floor.

Once only Chi Yao and his most trusted four remained, Yun Wu led them up to the third floor. Just as they exited the levitating elevator, they saw two large boxes. Fu Qing’s eyelids jumped; he recognized these boxes all too well.

Yun Wu smiled brightly, “Your Highness has come to the Northern Territory, and Mother saw that Shi Xing gave her a good impression. Since there wasn’t much she could give You, she had two boxes of crystals transported from Campbell, treating it as a gift for Shi Xing while we host him during this time.”

Fu Qing already knew!

The red ore was packed in these same boxes.

Chi Yao, not pretending, immediately instructed someone to open the boxes, revealing one containing red ore and the other filled with Campbell’s renowned high-grade mineral known as the shining phosphor ore.

Chi Yao picked up one, saying to Shi Xing, “Extend your hand.”

He placed a piece of shining phosphor ore into Shi Xing’s palm. Though not as quickly absorbed as the red ore, the shining phosphor ore was still unconsciously absorbed by Shi Xing. During the absorption process, it burst forth with beautiful crystal colors, reminiscent of a flourishing fireworks display.

“Isn’t Campbell’s shining phosphor ore beautiful?”

Shi Xing’s eyes widened in wonder. “It’s beautiful.”

Chi Yao chuckled and placed two more pieces in Shi Xing’s hand for him to absorb, not being coy about it. He then turned to Yun Wu, saying, “Please let Lady Campbell know that the crystals are excellent, and I’m very pleased. Thank you for the hospitality in the Northern Territory.”

With that, he instructed the attendant Yan Changyue to move the boxes to Shi Xing’s room shortly.

As Xu Jin and Yan Changyue tidied up the room, Chi Yao had Yun Wu use her mental power to probe Shi Xing’s mental sea. The results indeed revealed differences compared to the Empire’s people; Yun Wu’s mental power easily penetrated, and her perception was similar to Chi Yao’s, indicating it was blocked from the outer layer.

Additionally, the mental power simply vanished.

With results in hand, Chi Yao noted Yun Wu’s mission was complete and bid her farewell.

In the evening, the Tan family hosted an extravagant dinner for Chi Yao and the others, with Marshal Tan Bai Shan overseeing the arrangements.

Chi Yao planned to wait until the attendants finished cleaning up before changing his clothes and attending the banquet.

After Yun Wu left, Shi Xing gazed at the two large boxes of crystals and voiced hesitantly, “The Tan family’s gift is too much.”

Shi Xing had received many beast cores and crystals from them since arriving in Ancheng, and now here in the Northern Territory… The Tan family dared to give, and Chi Yao dared to accept, but Shi Xing felt a bit awkward to accept.

Chi Yao looked at Shi Xing’s naive demeanor with amusement and once again took a piece of shining phosphor ore, placing it in his palm. “Now you understand why I didn’t want to come to the Northern Territory initially, right?”

“The Tan family has a wonderful sense of proportion in how they treat others.”

So good that even if someone had planned to refuse them face-to-face, they would find it very difficult.

They always seemed to have a way of making it hard for others to decline, which could be seen as a skill.

Sensing Chi Yao’s dilemma, Shi Xing hesitated, “Then should we send them back?”

This made Chi Yao laugh. “Send them back? Before coming, I had already prepared for various matters, so I wouldn’t dare to give them back for such a reason.”

What he said was very unreasonable and was a rare display of his playful side.

Shi Xing spoke softly, “Your Highness, you don’t need to go to such lengths for me.”

There was no need for him to sacrifice his reputation, a precious thing for Chi Yao.

Initially wanting to tease Shi Xing, Chi Yao noticed the young man’s serious expression and his mood shifted.

Ultimately, Chi Yao said, “Don’t worry. The Tan family is much shrewder than you think; they won’t suffer a loss.”

Later, Shi Xing came to understand the meaning behind Chi Yao’s words.

The banquet was lavish, and the Tan family was warm in their welcome. Shi Xing stuffed his cheeks full at the dinner table, feeling very satisfied.

He liked the food, and Chi Yao would occasionally serve one or two chopsticks full for him, unpretentiously, without even looking in his direction, while conversing with the Tan family and the officers of the Seventh Army. With a slight turn of his chopsticks, a dish would fall right into Shi Xing’s bowl.

The atmosphere at the table was pleasant, and conversations were amicable.

As per custom, Chi Yao would always inquire about Tan Chi’s recent condition, and this time was no exception.

Tan Bai Shan and Lady Campbell expressed their gratitude for Chi Yao’s concern, responding a few words in kind. Tan Chi answered a few as well, which sounded like his usual replies—everything was still the same.

His health was as it was; Yun Wu was trying, and other than his mental sea, everything was fine.

Every time, this would be about the extent of it. Chi Yao had not specifically inquired about Tan Chi before coming; his attitude was very clear. As Tan Bai Shan and Lady Campbell thought it was time to change the topic, Chi Yao unexpectedly spoke a few more words.

“Shi Xing is now rated SSS.”

“He treated a Major General in the guard with a mental power level of 3S, and it didn’t take much effort.”

“Since Yun Wu has not been able to address Tan Chi’s problem, let’s have Shi Xing use his talent to take a look in a couple of days.”

What would happen afterward—whether it could be cured or not—Chi Yao made no promises.

However, the fact that he was willing to bring this up and suggest Shi Xing check Tan Chi’s condition without any conditions made it impossible for Tan Bai Shan and Lady Campbell not to be excited.

The two of them were so surprised by the good news that they didn’t react immediately.

Chi Yao said a couple more things, and the Tan family gradually regained their composure, realizing what Chi Yao had just agreed to.

From then on, Shi Xing saw gratitude, appreciation, and other emotions reflected on the faces of the Tan family…

Chi Yao responded politely to every expression of appreciation directed towards him from the Tan family.

Before bed that night, Chi Yao spent half an hour explaining the history of the Empire to Shi Xing. The reactions of the Tan family members were deeply rooted in Shi Xing’s mind. From time to time, he would recall the excitement on Marshal Tan Bai Shan’s face, the tears shimmering in Lady Campbell’s eyes, and the evident elation of Tan Wen, Yun Wu…

Thinking about this, Shi Xing finally asked, “Your Highness, was your approval for me to check Tan Chi’s condition today to facilitate future discussions about purchasing the red ore mining planet?”

Chi Yao fiddled with the projection device without looking up, “Why do you say that?”

Shi Xing pondered, “I thought that you would reach an agreement on the terms before allowing me to check on General Tan Chi.”

Chi Yao let out a laugh. “Is this the kind of person you think I am?”

Shi Xing hurriedly waved his hand, realizing he had learned to defend himself this time. “You know that’s not what I meant. Please don’t twist my words!”

The use of “twist” indicated that Shi Xing had managed to understand some of Chi Yao’s personality traits.

Chi Yao gazed at Shi Xing with grayish eyes, amusement glinting in them, but he didn’t deny it.

“You said today that you can look at Tan Chi without difficulty using your talent.”

Shi Xing tilted his head in confusion, “So that means you’re willing to let me check on him?”

“Not exactly; that’s only a small part of the reason.”

After a pause, Chi Yao stated seriously, “A much larger part is that Tan Chi has become like this for the sake of the Empire.”

“I cannot let a soldier who sacrificed for the Empire feel disheartened.”

“Tan Chi is worth it.”

Therefore, based on this, no matter how the matter of purchasing red ore proceeded, as the Emperor of the Empire, Chi Yao had already made the decision to allow Shi Xing to check Tan Chi’s condition.