ABRIWMTHM Chapter 53

Chi Yao asked Shi Xing for his choice in advance, and the premonition became reality the day after Shi Xing responded.

Asking in advance was certainly not without purpose.

There was indeed a goal.

And that goal…

Shi Xing looked at Major General Fei Chu, who had taken twelve hours non-stop to rush to the Northern Territory at high speed aboard a warship, and fell silent after Chi Yao had expressed his thoughts.

Fei Chu, too, was silent across from him.

Chi Yao: “Why is everyone so quiet?”

Shi Xing truly didn’t know what to say. However, seeing Fei Chu’s difficult expression, he forced himself to keep the atmosphere from becoming too chilly and repeated Chi Yao’s decision, “Your Highness, you mean you want to place Major General Fei’s team under my command?”

Every word was familiar, and he understood it all, yet it still felt unbelievable as he articulated it.

Chi Yao nodded, “Yes, the team led by Fei Chu is a unit within the First Army, not too large—if I recall correctly, last year’s military report stated it comprised 203 personnel. Fei Chu is the commander, holding the title of Major General, and Fu Qing is one of the vice commanders.”

“In the First Army, this unit is characterized by balance, without a special emphasis on offense, defense, or reconnaissance. It is a versatile team that can replenish any gaps during combat across those three types of forces.”

“They can both attack and defend, lacking no functional drawbacks. With not many personnel, placing them under your command for practical adaptation is the best option.”

With each of Chi Yao’s explanations, Fei Chu’s expression grew increasingly pained.

Shi Xing opened his mouth, internally acknowledging that Chi Yao’s arrangement was the best choice. Still, seeing Fei Chu’s discomfort, he said, “But Your Highness, you haven’t consulted Major General Fei’s opinion, have you?”

“To place under…” Although saying it still sounded unbelievable, since they were determined to vie for military authority, Shi Xing tried to adapt. “If it’s under my name, I’m naturally fine with it, but we need to get Major General Fei’s consent first, right?”

They suddenly transferred Fei Chu from the Imperial Capital, and upon his arrival at the warship, they directly pulled him into the study for discussion.

As he greeted Fei Chu at the door, Shi Xing was certain that Chi Yao hadn’t privately mentioned this to him beforehand.

Emmm… Now, Fei Chu’s expression was very subtle, and it didn’t seem like he had mentioned this in the previous communications.

Shi Xing was not hard-pressed to understand the meaning behind that subtlety. He was inexperienced and had never attended a military academy. It was somewhat difficult to accept changing the affiliation of Fei Chu’s squad just based on Chi Yao’s word.

He was also unsure if he could win the crowd over shortly after taking command of the team.

Chi Yao asserted, “His opinion will come later. What do you think?”

“There’s no need to worry about not gaining their approval. I’m not preparing to make the command deck public immediately; I’ll just tell the team they are here to protect you. Once you have adapted well with the team, we will formally notify the First Army in writing, proceeding gradually. This way, their resistance won’t be too strong.”

Fei Chu, cradling his grief, softly exclaimed, “Your Highness, you’ve already thought it all out~”

Chi Yao ignored the sarcasm. Hearing this, he affirmed, “Yes, I had this idea before coming to the Northern Territory, which is why your squad is among the troops being transferred this time. Fu Qing usually handles things.”

In other words, they had already been in contact with Shi Xing for some time.

Fei Chu: “…”

Major General Fei Chu completely didn’t want to speak anymore.

It felt somewhat like being the fish on the chopping board.

Chi Yao looked at Shi Xing; he had planned so thoroughly and started plotting for Shi Xing’s benefit so early that Shi Xing wouldn’t naturally refuse. However, about Fei Chu… Shi Xing looked at Major General Fei, sprawled on the sofa like a starfish, worried that he might develop a strong aversion to the situation.

Chi Yao said sternly, “Sit up straight, we’re discussing serious matters!”

“Otherwise, go back to the Imperial Capital.”

With a commanding tone, Shi Xing felt a tremor in his heart.

Sure enough, Fei Chu quickly sat upright.

Knowing Chi Yao very well, Fei Chu fought back, “Brother, do I even have other options?”

Chi Yao: “Yes, you can go back to the Imperial Capital and retire. My aunt has never wanted you to stay in the army anyway. Upon returning, you’ll hear family arrangements to join the Senate, and then set up a marriage for you to resolve your long-standing marriage issue.”

Fei Chu clutched his head in despair, “Is that even a choice?!”

This was forcing him onto a dead-end road!

Chi Yao: “When you joined the First Army, I promised my aunt I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. You also reassured your family. Last time, it was so dangerous that, without Shi Xing, you would’ve already been incapacitated. Since you don’t want to follow him or obey my orders, then go back and follow your family’s arrangements. It’s a fair choice, one or the other.”

Fei Chu groaned in pain, “You really are a good brother.”

Chi Yao coldly replied, “No need to call me that closely, cousin. You’re grown up now; Bi Zhou is more compliant than you.”

Fei Chu: “…”

In front of Shi Xing, that was quite disrespectful.

However, what Fei Chu didn’t know was that after observing their conversation at the hospital last time, he no longer had any face at Shi Xing’s place. Chi Yao’s frustration with Fei Chu’s insubordination had already circulated from Fu Qing and then to Xu Jin’s lips. Shi Xing had heard it no less than twice.

With today’s observation, he secretly grumbled that, without comparison, he wouldn’t have noticed how big Chi Yao’s temper was. This had been over half a year, and he wasn’t yet through being angry at Fei Chu’s noncompliance!

Thinking of how he had upset Chi Yao multiple times… Shi Xing didn’t dare to say anything, sitting more upright than the punished Fei Chu.

Fei Chu desperately struggled, “Does Fu Qing have no objections?”

Fu Qing had always stayed close to Chi Yao, so it was impossible that Chi Yao hadn’t hinted anything to him.

Chi Yao dealt a final blow, “Fu Qing is quite happy. If you are willing, he’s familiar with the situation and can follow you while still accompanying Shi Xing. If you’re not willing, you can go back and retire; I’ll promote him to lead your team instead. He’ll still follow Shi Xing and henceforth won’t have to worry about being burdened and dispatched to some barren star.”

Fei Chu: “…”

Fei Chu lamented, “The world is going downhill, and human hearts are no longer what they used to be.”

Chi Yao: “Have you made your decision? If you need time, I can give you a night to think it over. If you can’t decide by tomorrow, you’ll just have to pack back to the Imperial Capital. I’ll honestly inform my aunt about your situation…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Fei Chu, who had inexplicably slumped back onto the sofa, suddenly sat up as if experiencing a near-death revelation, waving his hands, “No, brother, please don’t tell my mother about this! I promise, I promise; is that good enough!”

Chi Yao scrutinized Fei Chu for a moment, his cold gaze exuding a palpable pressure, making Shi Xing uncomfortable.

After a while, Chi Yao nodded, “I’ll give you two days to prepare mentally.”

“After two days, it will be settled. Shi Xing will follow the troops for training, and you need to oversee this.”

Fei Chu, already a salted fish with exhausted dreams, spoke weakly, “Do you have any other instructions for me? Just say it all at once; I can handle it.”

Shi Xing deeply sympathized with Major General Fei.

Chi Yao paused for a moment, adjusted his tone, and softened his voice, “I have my reasons for wanting you and your team to follow Shi Xing; you know this well.”

“On the other hand, I also recall my promise to my aunt.”

“With you following Shi Xing, his level has already risen. No matter what challenges lie ahead, even in the toughest situations, you’re with a therapist now, so I don’t have to worry about you becoming useless and unable to report back to my aunt.”

His words were not burdensome, conveyed calmly and without much intention behind them.

But hearing those words made Fei Chu’s throat tighten, feeling a mix of complex emotions.

Just as he was about to acknowledge a mistake and say something else, Chi Yao interrupted him, calling for Shi Xing, “Let’s go.”

Chi Yao: “Let him wallow in his own troubles.”

Fei Chu: “…”

The fleeting feelings of warmth had evaporated.

As they left the door, Shi Xing felt uncertain, “Major General Fei, will you be willing?”

Chi Yao: “Which aspect do you mean?”

Shi Xing: “To follow me? I feel… quite abrupt, and his emotions don’t seem right.”

Shi Xing feared that Fei Chu wouldn’t accept him, belittle him, which would make things even worse.

Chi Yao curved his lips slightly, saying, “He will definitely be willing, and his incorrect feelings aren’t directed at you; you’ll know this in a couple of days.”

Chi Yao added, “When you came, Fei Chu was held back in the Imperial Capital for reflection, and you hadn’t had much interaction. He has an outgoing personality, molded by his family; sometimes, he can be a bit annoying, but he means no harm.”

“After prolonged interactions, you’ll understand.”

This statement resonated deeply.

Over the next two days, Fei Chu indeed displayed an intense friendliness towards Shi Xing, prompting him to suggest that Shi Xing treat team members struggling with their mental seas.

Unbeknownst to Shi Xing, many signed up for assistance—most issues weren’t severe, but due to low ranks, they scarcely had access to the therapist’s healing resources; the regular hospitals handled situations only so-so.

Shi Xing found doing treatments quite manageable.

As he wrapped up treatment for Tan Chi, he could consistently spare significant mental power.

It was not that he was withholding help but rather, as the treatment neared completion, the absorption of healing mental power into Tan Chi’s mental sea decreased.

A few days later, not only did the soldiers Shi Xing treated exhibit positive attitudes towards him, but his interactions during training with the entire team also grew more harmonious. Their willingness to protect him went beyond simply obeying orders; it was evident they desired to do so.

Shi Xing felt this was excellent and shared it with Chi Yao.

Chi Yao smiled at this, “Having been in the First Army for so many years, while sometimes they can be immature, they still do their jobs reliably.”

He was referring specifically to Fei Chu.

Afterwards, Chi Yao recalled something and continued, “I’ve already informed Tan Bai Shan of your decision. He mentioned he would give me a corresponding response before he leaves. For this time, he should observe you, and you needn’t feel any pressure—just be yourself.”

Shi Xing asked anxiously, “Is it really as simple as that?”

Chi Yao chuckled, “What else did you expect? You can’t exactly transform into someone else.”

That was indeed true, but Shi Xing still wished to know if he might try to win over Tan Bai Shan.

After several inquiries, Chi Yao relented, “Before leaving, he should seek you out for a talk. He holds considerable responsibilities with the Seventh Army. Rather than explore alternative methods, you might as well clarify your views on leading a unit during this discussion to persuade him.”

Shi Xing nodded in response, promising, “Alright, Your Highness.”

Chi Yao, upon hearing this, didn’t offer the typical encouragement but observed Shi Xing intently, looking at him for a while, leaving Shi Xing somewhat puzzled. Chi Yao then advised, “Just keep it moderate; don’t exhaust yourself.”

“I don’t feel tired, Your Highness.”

Chi Yao closed his eyes, allowing Shi Xing to treat him, as if casually answering, “I’m worried you might tire out.”

Shi Xing choked slightly, sensing his concern, nodding as if he understood.

On an ordinary afternoon, Tan Chi’s mental sea no longer absorbed Shi Xing’s healing energy at all.

About half an hour later, the last mental thread regenerated within Tan Chi’s mental sea, marking the end of their treatment.

The resulting uproar was more intense than Shi Xing had imagined; upon hearing the news, Chi Yao arrived, and Tan family members from the military returned as well. Some officers and soldiers from the Seventh Army, having received the word internally, also sent congratulatory gifts later that evening.

After opening a few packages, Tan Chi felt tears welling in his eyes, unwilling to continue.

Yun Wu explained softly beside Shi Xing, “These are subordinates of your elder brother. While offering congratulations, they might also hope to return to his unit someday.”

Shi Xing envisioned that scenario, and it indeed could stir intense emotions.

That evening, the Tan family hosted Chi Yao and company for dinner, expressing their gratitude once again. Tan Chi promised that once he fully recovered, he’d be available at Shi Xing’s beck and call if he faced any difficulties.

That night, the Tan family was incredibly joyous and drank quite a bit.

Shi Xing, too, under the coaxing of Tan Yan, Tan Mei, and Fei Chu, had a few more drinks, until Chi Yao finally pulled him aside, leading him outside the Tan family villa to avoid the overly elated personalities.

That night, the social adept, Major General Fei Chu, without a doubt, became inebriated.

Fu Qing managed to procure a floating bed to take him back.

Before being stuffed into the room, they could still hear Fei Chu’s drunken rambling, “Hahaha, Shi Xing is amazing, isn’t he? I think so too!”

“Let’s celebrate; here, drink some more, drink…”

Chi Yao, unable to endure it, waved his hand, using mental power to dispatch the floating bed and tucked him fully into his room.

The next day, news arrived regarding the purchase of the Red Ore mining planet, which was now being transformed into a satellite of the Empire, thanks to the people hired by Chi Yao. Chi Yao promptly dispatched a team to station there, responsible for subsequent mining endeavors.

As such, the dealings with the Tan family ended with both sides satisfied.

In one day, after a prolonged observation, the Seventh Army stationed near the border relayed news confirming that the star beast was SS-ranked and non-mutated.

Non-mutated meant it could be handled.

In addition, Shi Xing’s training alongside Fei Chu yielded initial success. After discussions with Tan Bai Shan, they confirmed the next hunting expedition.

This time, Shi Xing donned a combat uniform tailored specifically to his dimensions, armed with a crossbow supplied by the Empire.

Tan Chi’s mental sea had restored a self-regenerating rhythm, although he didn’t partake in the hunting segment, he still accompanied them to observe.

Due to the rise in rank, the process of attracting the star beast was notably more challenging, prolonging its arrival to the Empire.

It wasn’t until after noon that Shi Xing and the others heard the distant roars from the edge of the atmosphere.

This hunting expedition was to be executed by Major General Tan Wen and Fei Chu, who synchronized their strategies.

Unlike the previous time with Tan Yan, since Shi Xing required the frenzied mental energy from the star beast, after entering the clouds, Tan Wen and Fei Chu initially avoided inflicting serious harm on the beast. Instead, under Tan Bai Shan’s command, they aimed to stimulate the star beast’s fighting spirit to generate ample frenzied mental power before commencing the attack.

This battle dragged on; while one covered, the other engaged in actual combat. Despite having only practiced for two days, their coordination was excellent.

With each slash, they continued to deplete the star beast’s energy.

Shi Xing felt his heart in his throat as he watched from below, while Chi Yao remained calm.

Once the star beast’s weary body collapsed onto the snowy ground, after Tan Bai Shan inspected it, Chi Yao said, “We can go over now.”

As the mental shield surrounding the battlefield was lifted, Shi Xing again sensed the lingering frenzied mental energy in the air, reaching out to grasp it. Without a warning, his own mental power escaped.

Chi Yao’s protection shield quickly enveloped Shi Xing.

Upon sensing the scent of Shi Xing’s mental power, the star beast revived with vigor, quickly supplementing its mental power from multiple directions before once more overpowering Shi Xing.

The tussle continued, and having confirmed matters with Shi Xing, the Seventh Army made their move, decisively killing the star beast ahead of Shi Xing’s absorption of the beast core.

When Chi Yao sensed the energy’s dissolution, he released Shi Xing, saying, “Go.”

He instructed, “The beast core isn’t urgent; absorb the frenzied mental power from the outer layer first.”

Shi Xing nodded.

Approaching the star beast, Shi Xing’s mental power began to leak out again as if fulfilling a long-held desire. Upon placing his hand on the star beast, he felt a rare sense of satisfaction.

With the influx of frenzied mental power, Shi Xing’s outer energy pool began to spring to life.

In the void, something seemed to be there.

Something that could eliminate mental power with energy turbulence.

The enormous star beast, having circled the Twin Star Galaxy twice, flicked its tail once more.

The prior sensation of attraction had vanished days earlier, leaving it unable to sense anything.

Given the difficulty of navigating the boundary forces along the edges of the Twin Star Galaxy, the star beast was reluctant to expend unnecessary energy trying to break through.

As it considered departing, it suddenly sensed something, sniffing the air in that direction.

That mental power reappeared!

“Roar—”

It let out a long cry, with added certainty this time.

They were exceedingly close.

The beast core began to tremble with excitement, and it raised its voice to call, whipping its tail as the massive creature leaped. Unlike before, this time it did not land in the projected area but instead reappeared over a thousand meters away.

It sped forth, leaving only flickering lightning in the void.

The frenzied mental power accelerated from slow to fast, eventually slowing down again in the later stages.

Shi Xing felt satisfied.

So the issue earlier stemmed from insufficient absorption; when his mental sea first began to awaken, he found himself without food.

“Fall back.”

As Shi Xing’s visible energy turbulence sparked around him, the others instinctively stepped back a few paces.

Only Chi Yao queried Shi Xing, “Are you uncomfortable?”

Shi Xing closed his eyes and didn’t know what was happening around him. Upon hearing the question, he simply replied, “No, it feels great.”

Chi Yao kept quiet after that.

This round of absorption took a while; only when the star beast collapsed again did Shi Xing release his grip.

Amidst the bloody chaos, the beast core was half-exposed, not requiring dissection.

Chi Yao approached, taking the wet towel passed to him by Yan Changyue, wiping the blood from Shi Xing’s hands, while inquiring, “Are you done?”

Shi Xing comprehended what he was asking and affirmed, “Yes, it’s enough; I don’t desire to absorb any more.”

Chi Yao nodded.

Next, the beast core was naturally taken away.

Fei Chu held a mental power knife as he approached, asking Shi Xing, “Where is it?”

This star beast was even larger than the last; Shi Xing found it challenging to point out from afar, so Chi Yao released him.

As Shi Xing was about to get close, he suddenly froze.

In the next moment, he and Chi Yao moved in perfect unison, both looking up.

Shi Xing sensed that he was being watched, the hair on his body standing on end.

Chi Yao, relying on his extraordinary mental power, felt a different breath in the wind.

In the blink of an eye within everyone’s line of sight, the clouds abruptly tore open in a hole, and something dove into the Empire’s prime star!

Tan Bai Shan belatedly shouted, “Form ranks! Begin…”

Before he finished the order, he discerned the direction of movement and suddenly yelled, “Shi Xing, be careful!”

In the next instant, Shi Xing couldn’t react in time as something shot toward him from the clouds like a missile. The lighting flash erupted, blinding him momentarily; amidst the overly dazzling white light, he could only hear the ferocious wind howling by his ear, as a force gripped tightly around his waist, dragging him backward.

At that brief moment, mingling with the sudden roar of the star beast, the fierce wind was also roaring.

Shi Xing felt like he was flying.

When he regained his senses, he realized his feeling was not misleading.

Chi Yao was dragging him upward into the air, stepping onto Chi Yao’s mental power shield. Given Chi Yao’s proximity to wind elements, this shield could race through the wind, meaning… he was truly moving quickly through the air!

Just as he opened his eyes to accept this reality…

“Roar—”

That bolt of lightning struck again with no warning.

It slammed into the mental power shield that Chi Yao had deployed.

The clash of energies was pure and immense; as Shi Xing activated his innate ability for the first time, he saw the energy conflict extending from before them. Chi Yao’s mental power barrier and the opposing mental force intersected, erupting in wondrous colors, directly penetrating the area.

The struggle of mental forces was nearly evenly matched, and Chi Yao continued retreating upward while the star beast wouldn’t let go; its brilliant yellow eyes fixated intensely on Shi Xing, revealing an insatiable hunger.

Shi Xing’s body had stiffened.

Chi Yao’s command reverberated in everyone’s ears: “Establish the mental power barrier cage.”

Tan Bai Shan’s words followed with that mental power transmission, “Your Majesty, give us two minutes!”

The circular mental power cage of the hunting grounds began to build from bottom to top again, layers of different mental energy colors overlapping, adding dreamlike hues to the invisible cage in Shi Xing’s eyes.

“Keep an eye on it and report when it’s halfway built.”

Chi Yao instructed Shi Xing.

The mental power resistance persisted as Chi Yao led the team to continue ascending. The strong winds whipped through their combat uniforms; Shi Xing tightly clung to Chi Yao, focusing intently on the orders below.

As their altitude kept increasing, and in the face of the beast’s relentless pursuit and open-mouthed drool, Shi Xing steadied his mentality, disregarding how the chilling wind grew increasingly severe, and the air became thinning.

At a certain moment, Shi Xing said, “We’re at the point, Your Highness.”

As soon as he spoke, Chi Yao’s speed surged again, pulling him further away from the star beast.

Chi Yao: “Hold tight.”

As Chi Yao spoke, the following moment, the gathered mental power finished coalescing, crashing down with thunderous force.

“Roar—”

The star beast was caught off guard by the attack, letting out a pained cry.

However, Chi Yao’s assault seemed unrelenting, a long rainbow fetching with splendor, bathing in the glow of radiant mental energy, compressing the star beast as if a mountain were collapsing, forcing it downward.

Attempting to resist, it instead received a more formidable surge of mental force.

The dazzling blow ended in an instant.

Just as the star beast barely managed to stabilize its descent, Chi Yao took Shi Xing lower.

With a crack, the last section of the mental power cage barrier was complete. As the star beast tried to regain its posture mid-air, it was entirely ensnared within the mental energy sphere erected by the Empire’s soldiers, suspended in space with no ground to touch.

Shi Xing’s aura was similarly isolated, causing him to lose his sensory target, inciting a potent growl from the star beast.

Lowering to match the height of the star beast, Chi Yao observed as the beast, upon seeing Shi Xing, unleashed a mental-wave howling attack towards them.

The aggressive howl was intercepted by the mental power cage.

In that moment, Chi Yao confirmed his assessment.

He said solemnly, “3S ranked mutated star beast, with two forms of mutation: one is electrical…”

As he spoke halfway, the star beast leaped in the air.

In the next instant, blocked by the edges of the mental power cage, it slammed against the barrier, thwarting its leap towards Shi Xing.

“Plus a spatial cutting transfer ability.”

Watching the scene unfold, sensing the challenges posed by the hunt on this star beast, Chi Yao furrowed his brows, adding the latter half of his sentence.