ABRIWMTHM Chapter 99

Eating and sleeping, and sleeping and eating, Shi Xing soaked in everyone’s love throughout the New Year in his dormitory.

The first thing after the New Year wasn’t class, but weighing himself.

Er Ya took out a weight scale and got Shi Xing to step on it. Shi Xing stepped on the scale in confusion while everyone gathered around to evaluate him as if raising a child.

“Not bad, but not as much as I imagined.”

“Still acceptable; at least you don’t look as exploited as before the New Year.”

“Was that exploitation? The level that would raise suspicions of abuse if taken out, come on.”

The last comment was from Fei Chu.

It was said that Er Ya wanted the scale this morning but couldn’t find it, and it was something pulled out from some corner of the dormitory.

Shi Xing pursed his lips, looking at Fei Jiang General without saying anything.

After a while, Fei Chu coughed twice, feeling a bit embarrassed and said, “Just a description; it’s just a description, you know, Xing Xing.”

Shi Xing emphasized, “I was just in a bad mental state at that time!”

“Alright, alright.”

He might have retorted against Chi Yao, but facing someone serious like Shi Xing, Fei Chu often found himself defeated.

It was simply because Shi Xing was young and upheld the authority of justice, which made it difficult for Fei Chu to show a different face.

Er Ya took back the scale and nodded. “Okay, remember this weight. We will start training immediately; you have to maintain it.”

Shi Xing didn’t quite understand at that moment.

A few days later, Shi Xing understood.

Everyone returned to work, and for Shi Xing, he also resumed his studies. However, due to internal affairs to handle, the morning time was typically split in half. One half was for useful classes where Tang Mi, Ren Yan Yong, Wei Zhen, and even Wei Wan and His Highness would come to teach him whenever they had time. The other half was allocated for Shi Xing to deal with government affairs.

Without power, there would be no authority. Chi Yao understood this well. No matter how busy Shi Xing was, he processed one document a day, and when the people below saw his signature and seal, they also weighed the importance of his role.

In the afternoon, the training ground changed.

At first, Er Ya had him absorb crystals in the energy shielding room to review some standard training from a few years ago.

After confirming Shi Xing’s mental power was ample, Er Ya took him to the First Legion.

To train him.

In various senses, train him.

Starting with physical fitness, as a Blue Star human, Shi Xing followed Fei Chu, starting with two laps, then three laps, five laps, six laps… Shi Xing was relatively fine, but Fei Chu could not watch any longer and asked Er Ya about the final target number of laps.

Er Ya crossed her two fingers, and Fei Chu fell silent.

Arriving at the finish line, Shi Xing was panting but maintained a good mindset. “Ten laps? That shouldn’t be impossible.”

Ten laps, corresponding to a standard number of laps when he was at military school. It wasn’t too difficult.

But for a Blue Star human with poor physical quality, it was naturally strenuous.

Fu Qing pressed a towel against Shi Xing’s face. “You should catch your breath before saying that.”

“Okay, okay.”

After a pause, bent over, Shi Xing was indeed breathing heavily.

Er Ya said, “Just walk a lap slowly. Suddenly stopping puts a lot of strain on your body.”

Shi Xing nodded, and for this lap, Er Ya joined him in walking.

When there were only two people around, Er Ya asked him, “If you feel it’s tough, just say it; we can negotiate.”

Shi Xing was resolute. “No need, let’s just take it slow and practice.”

Er Ya glanced at Shi Xing and nodded, her eyes hiding a look of admiration.

Running laps was just the basics.

The main courses were yet to come.

Combat, weapon selection and usage, coordination with his own team, plus the wide-range usage of mental power—each item left one exhausted.

After two or three days of attempts, on the way back, Fei Chu proactively said to Shi Xing, “Don’t stretch yourself too thin; this training volume is too much.”

He didn’t get a response.

Turning around, Shi Xing was so tired that he had already fallen asleep on the spaceship.

Fei Chu: “…”

Fei Chu pinched the bridge of his nose, speechless.

Back at the dormitory, Chi Yao caught hold of Fei Chu and initially wanted to ask about the bruises on Shi Xing. Just after starting, Fei Chu poured out everything about Shi Xing’s training.

“So, I know Er Ya is doing this for Shi Xing’s own good. She has few people she finds suitable, and everyone likes Xing Xing without a doubt.”

“But isn’t the daily training volume a bit too large? She’s passed the maturity period, but Shi Xing has just entered his second year of maturity; this… Cousin, I just feel uneasy about it. Maybe you should come and take a look, and give a suggestion?”

It wasn’t that Fei Chu opposed Er Ya’s training methods.

Mainly because Blue Star humans in the Empire had never trained like this.

Chi Yao was slightly surprised upon hearing this. “Running five laps, training mental shields for an afternoon, and even added combat training?”

Fei Chu added, “Including the usage of within combat.”

Chi Yao frowned, touching Shi Xing, who was still asleep on the sofa thanks to the robot, and remarked, “He still has mental power, and he looks alright.”

Fei Chu: “…”

Fei Chu coughed lightly, “You know, Er Ya is a therapist and also can’t just treat the mental sea.”

Realizing something, Chi Yao was once again surprised.

Fei Chu confirmed, “Yes, it’s just as you suspected. After training, Er Ya will replenish Shi Xing’s mental power, and the visible bruises on his body will be treated with healing mental power too.”

Replenishing mental power was one thing, but using mental power to treat bruises… Perhaps any of the major legions hearing this would shed tears over the wastefulness.

Lowering his gaze for a moment, Chi Yao replied, “Got it.”

After dinner, perhaps because of the replenished mental power, Shi Xing looked good.

That night, Chi Yao tentatively asked Shi Xing about his training.

He received a calm reply, “It’s okay; just a little tired.”

Shi Xing yawned, not feeling this was an issue. “But training should be tiring to learn something; it’s all hard work.”

He seemed to be adjusting well.

Had it not been for what Fei Chu said in the afternoon, Chi Yao wouldn’t have imagined that Shi Xing, speaking so lightly, was actually undergoing such intense training.

Chi Yao observed Shi Xing’s expression; it didn’t seem forced. He then asked, “Are you sure? You’re not very tired?”

“It’s okay, Your Highness.”

“Your Highness, hug.”

“Your Highness…”

In a muddled tone calling to Chi Yao, Shi Xing rubbed his face against Chi Yao’s shoulder, appearing like some kind of animal.

Acting spoiled.

“Your Highness, good night.”

Having nestled enough in Chi Yao’s arms, Shi Xing contently spoke.

Chi Yao hadn’t yet decided how to inquire more gently when, in less than two minutes, Shi Xing’s breathing evened out.

Chi Yao returned a resigned smile, thinking a moment, rested his chin on Shi Xing’s forehead, wished him good night, and then closed his eyes.

No rush; training had just begun.

It was indeed just the beginning; afterwards, Er Ya continued to increase the training volume.

Chi Yao chose a rest period, and shortly after they left, he also made his way to the First Legion.

Shi Xing was thrown down on the ground again by the training robot, only to feel his body lighten; just before hitting the ground, a gentle wind lifted him up.

Lying on the ground, Shi Xing saw Chi Yao’s face appear; he was momentarily stunned, even thinking he was seeing things. It wasn’t until Chi Yao reached out that he confirmed the person in front of him was indeed him.

Pulling Shi Xing up, Chi Yao said, “I came to the military group to handle some matters and knew you were here, so I dropped by to check.”

“Ah, okay.”

Chi Yao silently glanced at Shi Xing. “You continue.”

He returned the training area to Shi Xing and the machine.

After watching for a while, Chi Yao’s eyebrows furrowed again.

Fei Chu stole a glance at Chi Yao’s expression from the side, knowing he didn’t have to worry anymore, and turned to find Fu Qing in the distance to secure a conversation space for the two.

Once Fei Chu left, Chi Yao spoke, “The training volume seems a bit excessive.”

His tone was not too pleasant.

Er Ya looked at Shi Xing and calmly said, “It’s fine; Blue Star humans only seem weak. Under the condition of ensuring ample mental power, they recover quickly.”

Chi Yao turned to Er Ya.

Er Ya met his intensely authoritative gaze with a blank expression. “Feel free to say what you wish.”

Chi Yao didn’t hold back, “I feel Shi Xing doesn’t need to be subjected to such intense training.”

Er Ya firmly denied, “I believe it’s necessary.”

“Even for hunting outside, with Fei Chu and Fu Qing, and the army with us, and including me…”

Er Ya replied, “What you’re saying is a regular situation. I’m not training him for that kind of occurrence.”

Chi Yao’s brows knitted closer for a moment before he slowly questioned, “So, what kind of situation are you preparing for?”

Er Ya replied directly, “For when no one is there to assist him.”

Chi Yao was taken aback, displeased. “That shouldn’t generally happen…”

“But what if? What if? Are you willing to bet against it?”

Chi Yao’s expression soured, but he didn’t speak.

He wouldn’t dare.

Even just discussing, merely imagining that scenario made him feel an uncontrollable anger bubble.

This was also a comparatively new experience for Chi Yao; it had been a long time since he had felt such signs of emotional loss of control.

Chi Yao fell silent, while Er Ya once again shifted her gaze back to the training arena, changing her angle to say, “You all worry that Shi Xing is too tired. I instead feel that he’s the clearest among us. He trains hard, never lagging, nor complaining.”

“Instead of coming to me, why not ask the person involved?”

“After all, if he doesn’t resist such a heavy training, what if he has other considerations?”

Er Ya took a sip of water, leaving her last sentence hanging.

“My training is tailored to him. If he truly feels tired, I will accordingly slow down the process.”

Once Shi Xing finished training, he came out and didn’t see Chi Yao, having a vague feeling of discomfort.

“Did His Highness say anything?” Shi Xing asked.

Er Ya chuckled, “He didn’t say anything, but he gave me a stony face, feeling your training was heavy.”

“About this, you two might need to have a serious discussion.”

Sure enough, that evening, the two people with concerns found themselves in the study, not knowing who brought it up, yet eventually converging on this matter.

Chi Yao said seriously, “I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Not just serious; there was a hint of displeasure in his voice.

Shi Xing thought for a moment, running up to Chi Yao, and with a light push said, “Your Highness, do you still remember what I mentioned before the New Year? Are you angry?”

Shi Xing referred to his comment about not making it through the maturity period, and Chi Yao remembered it clearly, leaving a deep impression.

Shi Xing continued, “It’s like this, Your Highness.”

“I feel my situation… the Empire’s Blue Star humans have historically not had cases like mine. It is known that the higher the rank, the harder it is for Blue Star humans to go through the maturity period. I… don’t know if there will be any unexpected situations in my final stage, but if I train intensely during that time, it’ll probably be too late.”

“Don’t you hope I won’t give up, regardless of when? If I can master a few more skills, regardless of whether they are useful, in case something happens, you’ll feel more secure, right?”

Chi Yao’s demeanor lightened slightly.

His tone remained stiff, “Even if you need to increase the training, the rate at which you’re increasing it is too rapid.”

“Er Ya has discretion; it’s been a few days, and I’m fine, right?”

Chi Yao smiled lightly, “I don’t know about discretion; I just know it doesn’t hurt her one bit.”

With that eagerness to push hard, it’s a shame if she doesn’t act as an instructor.

Shi Xing grinned mischievously, acting cute. “I have Your Highness’s care, and that’s enough.”

Chi Yao pinched Shi Xing’s face and, finding himself amused, respected Shi Xing’s wishes, and determined things this way.

But his concern wasn’t fake; rather Chi Yao changed his method, starting to carve out time to correct Shi Xing and train together.

Chi Yao’s tactical education and abilities were top-notch, and Er Ya was more than happy about this.

After transferring from training robots to real people, Chi Yao would occasionally throw Bi Shu into the mix. Bi Shu had high mental power and could provide more targeted training benefits for himself through intense mental power clashes.

In a blink, two months passed, and Shi Xing had used up all the beast cores he collected during the New Year. Er Ya had Fei Chu contact the Northern Territory for consultations and decided to first go to the nearest border patrol point outside Northern Territory, gradually hunting lower-grade star beasts.

The decision was unanimously confirmed by the people in the dormitory.

With Shi Xing around, this time Chi Yao also brought Bi Shu along, allowing him to accumulate practical combat experience.

After contacting them, Tan Bai Shan and the others prepared quickly. They were welcomed by none other than Tan Chi who had recovered and had recently transitioned out of the logistics department to lead troops back to the frontline. The other six legions were fully aware of this, and many had seen the recovered Tan Chi; their attitude towards Shi Xing grew even more close.

In less than a month, strictly following the plan, they had caught a total of three S-level star beasts and two SS-level star beasts.

Initially aiming to catch a few mutated ones, perhaps due to the breeding season not arriving yet, they found none this year.

Er Ya was fine with it; after five star beasts, they confirmed that Shi Xing couldn’t absorb any new energy, choosing not to over-hunt and deciding to head back.

While hovering in the Northern Territory, Shi Xing returned to the Empire, landing on the spaceship. After two days’ worth of travel to the Imperial Capital, he began to develop a low-grade fever.

He didn’t lose consciousness; it was just that he felt unwell.

Er Ya observed and provided a conclusion, “The growth points of the mental threads are rapidly dividing; bear with it; your abilities are growing.”

The second year of the maturity period was indeed a bit dangerous. This time, the low-grade fever didn’t affect life, but it lasted for half a month. The fever made Chi Yao anxious, and with Er Ya’s repeated confirmations, the mental thread points were dividing at a steady pace before gradually returning to normal.

Er Ya gave Shi Xing a week for recovery.

Afterward came high-intensity training again.

Shi Xing didn’t know what day he’d go back to the dormitory. While tidying himself up in front of the mirror, he paused, took the photos from the New Year, and ran to Chi Yao, asking if he had changed.

Chi Yao carefully examined the photo, noticing that indeed there were changes; his facial contours and features were more relaxed, and he had gained muscle mass. While it didn’t appear drastically different, the weight was a bit heavier, and Chi Yao felt it wasn’t striking but rather that he seemed sturdier.

The physique he had developed through training wasn’t exaggerated; every single change leaned toward practicality.

Chi Yao chuckled, touching Shi Xing’s face, “You’ve completely acquired the form of a youth.”

Other people echoed that sentiment, making Shi Xing pretty happy.

In his previous life, he hadn’t experienced such changes; this was something that clearly exhibited marks of growth.

Perhaps it was due to his maturity period advancing further than in his last life.

In his previous life, at this time, he had just lost his abilities, along with the drying up of his mental sea, it felt as if time had stopped for him, no progression anymore.

Fortunately, not this time.

During this period, Shi Xing made advancements in training and also in governmental affairs.

Although he didn’t have much time devoted to official duties, Shi Xing carried out the responsibilities he had previously promised, taking over the affairs of the Elders Council.

In return, he dealt with the “unimportant but necessary” trivial government tasks for Chi Yao.

The Senate had similar tasks, though relatively few. Since Shi Xing had spent ample time with them, he understood Chi Yao’s disposition well, and after the New Year, Wei Zhen would unconsciously transfer these not-so-important yet character-building official duties directly to Shi Xing.

It was hard to say how much voice he had in the matter, but all the administrative staff had a unified understanding: Shi Xing’s presence wasn’t merely decorative; he was a true partner of the Emperor who would manage the Empire’s affairs.

After the recovery period ended, with the growth of the mental threads within the mental sea, another two months of high-intensity training commenced.

“Something’s not right; your rank is clearly adequate, and your absorption of star beast mental power is impressive. Along with your level still increasing, this shouldn’t happen!”

After yet again using his mental power as a medium to absorb others’ mental power and failing, Er Ya was on the verge of losing her temper.

In fact, this training had been going on for several months. Initially, Er Ya thought Shi Xing’s maturity phase hadn’t reached that level yet and that he wouldn’t succeed, so she had postponed this type of training.

Who would have known…

Er Ya was exasperated, “No way! You can’t give such high-level mutated star beasts to your team; it would add tremendous pressure on them.”

Shi Xing was also feeling overwhelmed.

He was truly trying hard to learn.

Later, Chi Yao validated Er Ya’s intuition as correct. “He had succeeded before; it’s not that he can’t learn.”

Shi Xing looked confused, “?”

Chi Yao was under Shi Xing’s scrutiny, lowering his voice to say, “You’ve done it before, absorbing mental power using mental power as a medium.”

Shi Xing didn’t realize the deeper meaning in Chi Yao’s words and continued to inquire, “When? I’ll reflect on the feeling from that time; perhaps I can accomplish it!”

Chi Yao hesitated.

Er Ya understood.

Understanding it, she excused herself first, leaving the discussion space to Shi Xing and Chi Yao.

Chi Yao said, “No need to recall; you really wouldn’t want to know.”

Shi Xing probably pushed Er Ya too hard and found his brain could not keep up, insistent on asking. Receiving an answer from the day before harvesting, Shi Xing fell silent for a moment before his ears reddened.

“It was… it was when I was unaware…”

Chi Yao confirmed, “When your emotions were in great turmoil.”

Shi Xing’s face also flushed.

Only realizing later the reason for Er Ya’s departure, Shi Xing… blushed deeply.

Afterward, when Er Ya taught again, Shi Xing developed psychological shadows. Each time was less effective than the last, bringing Er Ya to the brink, and Shi Xing also felt crumbled.

Analyzing the situation with Fei Chu and Chi Yao for two days, Er Ya provided two reasons.

“One, you haven’t mastered the method.”

“Two, the environment is still not harsh enough; often, only when really pushed to the extremes will it happen. The Imperial Capital is a relatively stable environment; even if the body is exhausted, Shi Xing feels safe inside.”

The conclusion was quite touching.

Er Ya said, “Let’s not practice for now. Let’s go to the border instead.”

This time, the entire First Legion was dispatched; they would go to the farthest edge of the border to find mutated star beasts for Shi Xing.

Er Ya remarked, “The formation and defense, and the use of shields have already become very skilled.”

“This trip is just to strengthen and improve the formation and strategy.”

“Of course, we’ll also see if your abilities can be drawn out when facing high-level star beasts; let’s give it a try.”

Er Ya had implicitly accepted that she couldn’t teach him yet and prepared to throw Shi Xing into a less safe environment, hoping to activate his potential.

The preparation period would take half a month.

This time, Er Ya’s plan was to bring back sufficient beast cores.

The reasoning was simple; after six months, the batch of beast cores hunted from Northern Territory would suffice as Shi Xing was about to enter the final stage of his maturity period.

If possible, it wouldn’t be impossible to bring back two star beasts to nurture for a while.

Of course, everything had to be under the premise of safety; Er Ya wouldn’t act recklessly.

Before setting out, Shi Xing wanted to make a trip back to Ancheng. Chi Yao accompanied him, and Er Ya also joined.

In Ancheng, Shi Xing saw Shi Ran, who had returned for a meeting, and the only remaining member of the three-person squad, Yu Man.

Yu Huai passed away; Shi Ran was still alive in this lifetime, while Yu Cai had died at the hands of a star beast.

Yu Man’s arrogance had mellowed significantly; upon seeing Shi Xing, he recognized he couldn’t afford to offend him now, gave a polite greeting, engaged in a few indifferent exchanges and then left, seemingly unfazed. Two childhood friends passing away must have impacted Yu Man greatly.

Communication with the caretaker confirmed this.

After news of Yu Cai’s demise reached the Nest, Yu Man returned to confirm due to disbelief.

The result, of course, was exceedingly painful for him.

“Since then, he has become much more stable. Now his family focuses on helping him through the maturity period. His daily training and practices for self-protection have been diligent; perhaps the deaths of Yu Cai and Yu Huai were too hard for him to cope with.”

The caretaker remarked with sadness.

Such occurrences happen every few years; even though one has seen many, each time is still a cause for remorse.

“Er Ya hasn’t returned for a long time; shall we visit the Mother Tree?”

Seeing Er Ya, the caretaker spoke gently, not at all blaming her for being less talkative.

Er Ya indeed felt uncomfortable being around everyone. The caretaker provided an out, which she took, turning towards the tree garden.

Then the caretaker and Shi Xing lamented, “In the past, Er Ya was quite lively as well; what a shame…”

“But it’s great that she can be your teacher. She has rich practical experience, and with your rank so high, you need a teacher like her to guide you.”

“Of course, the Emperor will also take all of this into consideration; he thinks more comprehensively than the Nest.”

“You didn’t follow back then… cough, whoever is right.”

“The Emperor is a great choice.”

Shi Xing didn’t want to mention Lu Lu and only nodded, “Mm, I think so too.”

Later, he went to the tree garden to see the Mother Tree. Shi Xing and Er Ya also studied whether the emotional fluctuations of the Mother Tree carried any information.

Perhaps because it wasn’t human, Shi Xing could sense the Mother Tree’s emotions but received no words at all.

Upon leaving, Shi Xing gave all two massive boxes of red ore and a small box of beast cores to Shi Ran, saying, “Let’s both do well during our maturity periods. When you become an S-rank therapist, the Empire will call you to treat others outside. At that time, we’ll have more opportunities to meet.”

Shi Ran tried to refuse, “Xing Xing, how will you manage with this much? You still…”

Shi Xing interrupted him, stuffing the items into Shi Ran’s hands and ran off.

Shi Ran’s partner wasn’t foolish either, knowing Shi Xing had a lot, but later still personally sent a message to thank him, which made Shi Xing feel a little embarrassed.

The red ore was bought by the Highness, while the beast cores were gifts from everyone; his actions could be seen more as borrowing flowers to offer to Buddha, which was quite apt.

In the few days of preparation back at the palace, during training, Shi Xing learned some new things.

Although he didn’t master Er Ya’s skills, he learned Chi Yao’s.

In a small range, he could now manipulate wind energy.

Er Ya felt that Shi Xing was a bit surprised. “After absorbing so much mental power, there should be some effects.”

“The mental sea of a therapist can actually be said to be jointly shaped by themselves and their partner. The talents their partners possess, therapists can also apply them, and this is well-known among the legions.”

“Of course, it might be because it’s too difficult to find partners with talents, and then it’s even harder for therapists to use them.”

Shi Xing found it fascinating, while Er Ya dismissed it.

“Coincidentally, your Highness can do this, so let him teach you. For these few days, we’ve both taken it easy.”

“I need to think about how to arrange the hunting plans, and you should also take a few days to rest.”

Shi Xing nodded in agreement.

A few more days passed, and everyone from the dormitory boarded the mothership to set off.

They were heading to the Empire’s most distant border to hunt.