ABRIWMTHM Chapter 82

On the morning of the celebration.

Miller woke up in the hospital.

In fact, after being sent to the first hospital last night and receiving oxygen and medication, he had already regained consciousness. However, the hospital needed to conduct follow-up examinations and clinical observations due to him fainting twice in a short period of time. Miller was not young anymore, feeling a bit terrified inside, so he complied and stayed.

In the morning, all the physical examination reports were issued, showing that there were no major issues with his body. The fainting episodes were attributed to his age and excessive emotional agitation.

“Sir, you should maintain a cheerful mood.”

“Your blood pressure and blood lipids have consistently been somewhat high according to relatives. We’ve prescribed some nutritional supplements for you. Based on the examination reports, you don’t need functional medications. Do you have any basic medications left? If not, we’ll prescribe some for you.”

After receiving a response, the doctor quickly typed on the holographic projection screen in front of him and drafted a prescription.

Before long, medication was delivered to the ward by a nurse. Miller instructed his relatives to pack up, preparing for discharge.

“Sir, aren’t you going to stay for another two days of observation?”

This had frightened his relatives enough, suggesting their concern.

Miller shook his head firmly, “I have official duties to attend to.”

Upon returning to his residence, the celebration was scheduled for the evening. All diplomats were moving around in haste, either preparing speeches for the event or coordinating celebration procedures with the Empire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Miller quietly returned to his room. A moment later, diplomats from other planets arrived, inquiring whether he would attend the celebration.

Sitting down, Miller was reading a cabinet document sent by Tianyuan Star. Unperturbed, he replied weakly, “The Imperial Highness doesn’t particularly favor me. I just got discharged, and it’s fine if I stroll around in the evening. Let’s just inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that I am unwell and won’t attend.”

The diplomats nodded and left.

His attendant frowned, “Regardless, you are a cabinet scholar leading this diplomatic mission. They didn’t even properly thank you before leaving, how rude!”

Miller smiled, “They are probably hoping I won’t attend.”

Miller’s thoughts were correct. Excluding Tianyuan Star, diplomats from other alliance planets shared this sentiment. Given the intense conflict that had occurred, and now that the animosities had only recently thawed, it was best for Miller not to attend the celebration for the sake of his health as well as the diplomatic relations within the alliance.

Of course, whether the diplomats from Tianyuan Star desired Miller’s attendance was hard to say.

The situation was clear to all; the Empire did not look favorably upon Jan Miller, and the Prime Minister had lashed out at him several times. If he declined to attend, everyone would likely breathe a sigh of relief, not wanting to repeatedly inquire and add complications.

It was not worth it.

Having been in service for over a hundred years within the alliance, no one knew better than Miller about these intricate twists and turns.

Clear-headed, he was not angry because he never intended to participate in the celebration; he had more pressing matters to attend to.

The diplomatic relations had deteriorated to this extent, and as the leading diplomat visiting the Empire, the alliance cabinet had discreetly sent him a letter advising resignation. While the cabinet outwardly did not deal with him, allowing him to resign voluntarily kept appearances fine for both sides, maintaining dignity.

After a hundred years of effort, would Miller be willing to let it all turn into vapor overnight?

Of course not.

And if handled well, even if he could not return to the cabinet for now, there would still be opportunities to return to the political scene of Tianyuan Star since the current Prime Minister was from Tianyuan Star.

Thinking of this, someone knocked on the door outside, and the attendant opened it, revealing Marshal Weil and General Li Yu standing outside.

The attendant brewed tea for the guests and tactfully found an excuse to leave. Marshal Weil activated the barrier, ensuring only the three of them could hear the conversation.

Marshal Weil said, “I heard you won’t attend today’s celebration, Scholar?”

Miller smiled, feeling no need to put on a facade in front of his own people, “It would be awkward to go, so I’d rather not.”

Weil nodded.

Li Yu, however, was too disinterested to bother with niceties and quietly awaited Miller’s words.

After finishing a cup of tea and putting down the cup, Miller said, “It’s said that the Imperial Majesty has issues with his mental sea. Yesterday, I discovered something else in the palace, and I think…”

Miller continued, “Yao Bellman didn’t meet with us on the first day but hurriedly appeared the next afternoon. This doesn’t indicate he wasn’t in the reception plan, but rather that something went wrong.”

Weil and Li Yu exchanged a startled glance.

Miller added, “He is likely going through a chaotic period.”

Li Yu asked, “Are you sure?”

Miller replied, “Ten out of ten.”

Li Yu, cautious, inquired, “Is there any substantial fact as evidence?”

Miller shot him a look of annoyance, “No.”

“This is not a trivial matter. Do you think the Empire wouldn’t notice these indicative details? Won’t the palace clean up before our arrival? It’s already quite good to spot some signs. Are you sure? This isn’t the alliance’s territory, what’s the point?”

After being mercilessly reprimanded by Jan Miller, Li Yu felt embarrassed and fell silent.

Weil pondered for a moment before asking, “Then, Scholar, why do you have this speculation?”

Miller indeed had no specific pointers; his conjecture was half based on past diplomatic arrangements concerning the Empire and half derived from, “Their medical staff have been notably active lately. After I fainted and was taken to the guest room for treatment, I witnessed numerous palace medical staff arriving in a short time. My attendant overheard a nurse reminding a colleague about the strict requirements at the residence, instructing them not to delay.”

“There are currently only three direct members of the Imperial family. Bi Zhou and Shi Xing don’t seem to have any issues, and the only one who has appeared in public is Yao Bellman. If it’s not the direct imperial family that is in trouble, why are the medical staff stationed at the residence? From my years of political instinct, I believe Bellman has a problem with his mental sea.”

After listening to Miller’s analysis, Weil also felt the possibility was high, but to say one hundred percent certainty was not guaranteed.

But Miller had made a valid point; if true, this would be a significant matter. Given the Empire’s cautious nature, it was unlikely they would encounter substantial evidence.

Miller said, “Whether it’s true or not, we’ll find out.”

Weil and Li Yu looked at Miller.

Miller added, “Tianyuan Star wants to know the grade of Shi Xing and seeks to differentiate the relationship between Shi Xing and Bellman. This is a perfect opportunity.”

After pausing, Miller continued, “I’ve brought a beast to the Imperial Capital. If it is indeed a chaotic period, he shouldn’t be able to use his mental powers on a large scale…”

……

After sending Weil and Li Yu off, Miller’s attendant returned with a fresh pot of tea.

While speaking, he didn’t show any signs, but once finished, Miller took a tissue and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead caused by caution.

Having followed Miller for a long time, the attendant was generally aware of the discussion’s content, and couldn’t help but anxiously ask, “You really need to do this? Are you sure?”

Miller answered, “Of course not sure.”

But there was no other path left for him.

If the diplomatic mission went awry, there would no longer be a position for him in subsequent negotiations. Therefore, he could only approach Shi Xing. If he could successfully handle the matters concerning the Blue Star humans, there might be a chance for him to turn his fortunes around; otherwise…

Miller’s expression darkened as he asked again, “Has everything been sent?”

The attendant nodded.

Miller reminded again, “Be cautious. Don’t leave any traces…”

As night fell, the celebration commenced as planned. Miller was seated at an outdoor table of a café situated on a street where the celebration was being held, bustling with people.

Before long, he heard news of Shi Xing separating from Chi Yao. Miller frowned but soon relaxed.

“This is better; the grade that can be captured isn’t high to begin with, and with some distance, it’s easier to probe.”

It also made it more convenient for the people from Tianyuan Star to provide assistance and strengthen their ties.

Of course, that part he couldn’t help with. The opportunity was created; whether Li Yu and Weil could seize it depended on their own abilities.

After waiting for some time, just as Miller was about to instruct his attendant to signal the others to act, a commotion erupted from the adjacent street. Miller stood up instantly.

Thinking there was some civil dispute or fearing an armed response on the street, Miller decisively said, “Quickly, send the message, no need to wait.”

The attendant complied.

But within two minutes, the attendant returned, his face pale with panic, stuttering in fear, “Scholar, it’s bad…”

Miller frowned.

The attendant said, “The beast that was collected from near the ancient royal tomb went out of control after smelling the air…”

“The creature is speeding over here.”

The attendant swallowed hard, glancing at the lively street not far off, feeling a strange dread at the beast’s impending arrival and said, “Scholar, we need to leave now.”

Miller interrupted him, “No.”

Calmly, he insisted, “We need to wait a bit longer.”

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Miller, a beast had already appeared before Shi Xing.

Shi Xing was in a daze.

It was hum buzzing.

Especially after hearing it speak, his eyes nearly bulged out.

Shi Xing didn’t understand what was happening, nor did he comprehend it.

This had already surpassed his realm of knowledge.

A beast, how could it… speak?!

Even if it was using energy to communicate, was it not too bizarre?!

As Shi Xing stood still, the beast was the first to act, its mental power crashing against Shi Xing’s barrier. Shi Xing felt a pressure; while it meant little to him, the subsequent waves of energy came a second and third time, causing him to struggle gradually.

He couldn’t help but feel that this didn’t resemble an attack, but rather… a test?

Indescribable, Shi Xing sensed that the beast’s face had taken on an expression, looking quite satisfied.

Suddenly, it let out a long howl.

To human ears, it was silent, but…

“Bad! It’s mental power, what is it searching for?” As the beast approached, Fei Chu had already positioned himself in front of Shi Xing.

Fu Qing reacted even faster, “It’s calling for companions!”

Shi Xing felt otherwise and looked up. Under the influence of his first talent, the howl released mental power shot straight into the sky.

There was an energy barrier safeguarding the Empire’s atmosphere, and the Imperial Capital was more tightly controlled due to the diplomatic visit. Shi Xing was not overly concerned about intercepting this mental power, focusing instead on… who was it calling? Furthermore, what message was being conveyed with this howl?!

“Blue Star humans, high grade, very good.”

Another energy sound echoed, disrupting Shi Xing’s thoughts.

Before the beast made its move, Fei Chu and Fu Qing had already taken the initiative, striking first.

“Take the star beast to find Chi Yao!”

At that moment of the mental power attack, Fei Chu shouted.

Having experienced this prior to coming to the Imperial Capital, Yan Changyue’s voice echoed, “Someone! A star beast has entered the street!”

Pulling Shi Xing along, they ran in the opposite direction. As they sprinted vigorously, Shi Xing was completely dazed.

His mind raced; this star beast appeared battered and seemed to have been hiding using spatial abilities for a considerable time. The one capable of masking its presence…

Having just activated its talent, Shi Xing noticed something else—the color of this star beast’s mental power was strikingly similar to that of the 3S-rank beast he had killed above the Northern Territory. The resemblance was unprecedented.

Unknowable…

As the wind rushed past Shi Xing, the entire event transpired in a matter of mere minutes, with the air in his lungs almost being drained from running.

He realized the street had already emptied.

Suddenly, a figure appeared at a corner, and Shi Xing anxiously shouted, “Don’t come this way, there’s…”

Before he could finish, accompanied by a surge of energy, he spotted those bright yellow eyes again.

The beast had used its spatial translocation ability to approach him.

The two halted abruptly, and Yan Changyue instinctively sheltered Shi Xing behind him, taking a couple of steps back.

Shi Xing stared at the beast, brow furrowed.

Shi Xing was right; this beast was extremely weak, with many fresh wounds likely caused by Fei Chu and Fu Qing. However, when it stopped in front of him, while Fei Chu and Fu Qing could not arrive in time, their mental power barriers were almost instantly layered in front of Shi Xing, creating an intangible divide between Shi Xing and the beast.

“Come with me.”

The beast opened its mouth.

Shi Xing couldn’t help but retort, “No way!”

This single comment drew a startled look from Yan Changyue, full of surprise.

Shi Xing covered his throat, realizing he had not just spoken; he had echoed the energy waves akin to the beast’s.

Shi Xing had no idea how he managed that.

The beast lingered for a while, seemingly digesting what Shi Xing meant, and when Shi Xing looked up, the beast had pounced.

It appeared communication had failed (if that could even be deemed communication), and it was planning to force its way in.

Instinctively, Shi Xing activated his barrier, pulling along Yan Changyue toward the opposite side. Fei Chu and Fu Qing must be moving towards them as well, and once they regrouped, against a heavily injured beast, they had a chance to resist.

But before he could take a step, an astonishing moment unfolded before him as the beast froze mid-air.

It didn’t seem willing; upon freezing, it struggled violently.

Following that, an even stranger scene appeared before Shi Xing.

The beast was enveloped by a surge of energy, beginning to howl in pain, trying repeatedly to use its spatial ability to leap but being thwarted by this suddenly emerging energy; yet for Shi Xing, he felt no aggression emanating from this mental power.

Yan Changyue asked, “What’s happening?”

Shi Xing struggled to explain, “It… its mental power is draining?”

Indeed, within this abruptly appearing energy, there was no aggression, just a demand for energy, as if…

Yan Changyue slapped his forehead and provided the answer, “Er Ya!”

And alongside this utterance, the star beast in mid-air lost its mental power at a terrifying speed, ultimately shattering its beast core, followed by immediate collapse.

Shi Xing exclaimed, “!”

Thud—

As the beast core disappeared completely from the star beast’s body under the gaze of Shi Xing’s talent ability, the beast lost its energy source, falling to the ground with a loud thud.

And the figure Shi Xing had glimpsed at the corner magnified, solidifying, as a young woman appeared behind the star beast under the streetlamp, her brows relaxed, and an imposing demeanor.

Running footsteps were heard behind her.

Er Ya raised her hand and called out to everyone, “Long time no see. Perfect timing for Fei General to finish it off.”

Before Shi Xing could grasp the meaning of this, Fei Chu’s mental power descended from above like slicing meat, cleaving the star beast in two.

Shi Xing was left speechless.

Everything happened too swiftly for him to intervene.

Upon reflection, the sudden appearance of this star beast was puzzling, and its condition was too bizarre. Even if it had remained behind, Shi Xing wouldn’t know what to ask it, so he felt relieved.

“Xing Xing, Chang Yue, are you two alright?” Fu Qing halted beside the two, inquiring.

Getting an affirmative response from Yan Changyue indicating he was fine, Fu Qing nodded.

Without so much as a pause, Fei Chu darted past Shi Xing and Yan Changyue to reach the star beast, stabbing it several more times with his mental power to confirm its death before turning his gaze towards Er Ya, saying politely, “Long time no see. It’s lucky you arrived today; otherwise, things might not have ended well.”

This time, the star beast had spatial translocation abilities, and initiating a fight in a crowded area was fraught with concerns.

Seeing that the situation was under control, Shi Xing stepped forward to confirm that the star beast was indeed beyond saving, then raised his eyes.

Now that he was close, he could clearly see Er Ya’s full appearance.

Her facial features still showed the characteristics of a Blue Star human; gentle and unassuming, but her skin had a wheatish tone, unlike the usual fairness of typical Blue Star humans.

Noticing Shi Xing’s gaze, Er Ya raised her hand to inspect her skin tone, explaining, “When I was on an alien galaxy, that planet had abundant sunlight, and my skin darkened a little; it will return to normal after some time.”

Shi Xing nodded.

Considering it was their first meeting, Fei Chu formally introduced Shi Xing to Er Ya.

Er Ya extended a hand, “I’ve heard a lot about you, I’m Er Ya.”

Shi Xing shook her hand sincerely, saying, “I’ve heard about you for a long time too, I’m Shi Xing.”

Shi Xing hesitated, asking, “How did you… kill the star beast just now?”

Unsure if he should ask, but this was indeed what he was most curious about and perplexed over.

Er Ya smiled, “Fei General killed it, not me. I merely drained its mental power and absorbed its beast core.”

That was still terrifying!

If the star beast hadn’t lost its beast core and mental power, Fei Chu wouldn’t have been able to so easily execute it!

Seeing Shi Xing’s stunned expression, Er Ya’s smile widened as she asked Yan Changyue and Fei Chu, “Did you not tell him?”

Yan Changyue was unsure how to respond, while Fei Chu, straightforward, said, “Talking about your matters is too complicated, it involves too much, and we didn’t want to bother with it. Let the Emperor explain.”

Pausing to glance at Shi Xing, who was bewildered, he added, “However, since returning to the Imperial Capital, we’ve been quite busy, so they might not have had time to talk to you privately.”

Er Ya remained unbothered, responding to Shi Xing’s inquiry, “It’s the ability of Blue Star humans to absorb energy.”

Shi Xing was aware of this, but “Isn’t it only through touch that one can absorb?”

Er Ya replied, “It should be related to rank; I could do it after I switched to my current state, before that I could only absorb through touch.”

Er Ya then looked at Shi Xing, affirming, “With your high rank, you should be able to as well. I’ll be staying in the Imperial Capital for a long time; we can continue practicing.”

Then, recalling something, Er Ya added, “But it could also be an ability enhancement after the maturity period. When I could absorb energy using my mental power was close to the end of my maturity period, so it’s not certain.”

Shi Xing nodded and glanced at the star beast again, still feeling a shock of awe.

If he could…

Their conversation was interrupted as Er Ya’s expression suddenly turned serious, “Something else is coming.”

Feeling the situation, Er Ya confirmed, “Another star beast is approaching, but its grade isn’t high.”

Fei Chu snorted, “Damn, can’t it just end?!”

Fu Qing asked realistically, “Is it still from this grade?”

Before Er Ya could respond, Shi Xing felt it too and instinctively said, “No, it feels significantly weaker, S-grade? A-grade?”

Er Ya confirmed, “It’s weak within the S-grade.”

Er Ya frowned, “Strange.”

“It’s merely SS-grade but heavily injured, so it should be manageable. Why is this newcomer so weak? The ranking among beasts is quite strict; if there’s a companion, their levels shouldn’t differ too much.”

Fei Chu complained, “I’d like to know right now; it’s one thing for a beast to show up, but if another arrives, what are the guards in the Imperial Capital even doing? If they don’t check this out, I’m not Fei…”

Before he could finish, under Shi Xing’s talent ability, an energy wave appeared. Before fully materializing, Shi Xing activated his barrier.

But rather than protecting them, he firmly imprisoned that creature.

Moments later, another star beast with spatial translocation abilities appeared before them, roaring arrogantly.

And everyone fell silent.

Part of the reason was simply that this was yet another star beast with spatial mutation capability, was spatial mutation ability really so commonplace now?

The larger reason that left everyone speechless was that this star beast was way too weak; it…

Confirming something, Shi Xing cheerfully remarked, “Oh, it can’t break free from my barrier!”

Fei Chu was equally astonished; at this moment, he desperately wanted to light a cigarette to calm his nerves.

Er Ya took a serious look and confirmed, “Its level is far below yours; it definitely can’t break free from your confinement.”

Er Ya then said, “You can remove the barrier; I’ll absorb some of its mental power.”

The two Blue Star humans collaborated efficiently. As Shi Xing lowered his barrier, Er Ya followed closely behind; under her shield, Fei Chu witnessed once more how a star beast transformed from arrogant to utterly weak as it lost its mental power.

Strangely, Er Ya only absorbed half of it before not withdrawing the barrier; instead, she spread her own mental power widely.

Seconds later, as the mental power retracted, Er Ya remarked, “Don’t mind my conspiracy theories, but most people have already cleared out of these two streets; however, there are still two seated individuals on the adjacent street, making the appearance of this star beast suspicious, so…”

Shi Xing was perplexed.

Er Ya revealed a subtle smile, “One of those individuals is moving; do you guess he’ll come this way?”

Er Ya suggested, “Let’s play a game of hide and seek.”

Miller’s attendant was called over to check on the situation. Although he had a mind full of reluctance, he had to comply.

Just as he peeked around the corner, he was met with a pair of gleaming vertical pupils. The attendant shouted in alarm, only to be knocked down immediately.

As he fell, he vaguely noticed a group of people standing behind the star beast.

But he could never comprehend why the beast didn’t attack the Blue Star humans, especially after it had gone berserk upon catching the scent of Shi Xing’s mental power; it seemed as if it couldn’t see them at all.

Yet he would never comprehend that.

When the star beast was finally subdued, Er Ya approached the attendant, stating with certainty, “It recognized Shi Xing and was just checking the situation.”

Upon seeing the face of that person, Shi Xing’s demeanor instantly turned cold.

Er Ya asked, “Should we continue letting the star beast roam the street looking for someone?”

Shi Xing replied, “Why not?”

The commotion they caused had only taken about ten minutes at most; he didn’t believe the individual manipulating events behind the scenes would leave so quickly without achieving results.

A few minutes later, Miller, waiting outside the café, didn’t find his attendant but instead encountered a blood-covered, man-eating star beast.

Miller’s pupils constricted, and he immediately ran. After taking two steps, he was predictably knocked to the ground by the star beast.