ABRIWMTHM Chapter 110

Noticing that Chi Yao had used his mental power, Shi Xing felt a lack of strength in his body and found the environment of this planet somewhat challenging. For a moment, he didn’t respond and whispered, “What’s wrong, Your Highness?”

Chi Yao had already met with him and the senior officers of the Third Army Corps. Now, the logistic officer of the First Army Corps was working with the Third Army Corps, determining where the First Army’s warships were anchored and identifying their future garrison point.

Just after asking, a gust of wind and sand swept over.

Chi Yao raised his hand, and while the wind and sand continued elsewhere, it instantly stilled around them.

Chi Yao used his talent.

He raised his hand to help Shi Xing adjust his cloak and whispered, “It’s nothing. Someone is watching improperly, just a little punishment to teach a big lesson.”

“Let’s wait a bit longer. We’ll dine together today, and if it gets uncomfortable later, just stay inside the mothership.”

Shi Xing then recalled the direction Chi Yao had released his mental power and who was in that direction.

After a moment of silence, knowing Chi Yao was sensitive to gazes, Shi Xing recognized that prolonged attention on royal family members was considered a transgression under normal circumstances. He did not ask further.

Nodding, he softly said, “I’m fine.”

Chi Yao smiled at him, but then asked coldly, “Not finished yet?”

Chi Yao began to urge, and logistics naturally hastened their actions. Soon, led by Major General Lu Li, they switched to a spaceship and headed to the garrison area of the Third Army Corps.

On the way, Fu Qing reported the situation of this planet.

“The team on the border of the Third Army Corps is primarily led by General Pang Shangfu and Major General Lu Li. General Pang is an experienced officer in the Third Army Corps, while Major General Lu Li is the eldest son of Lu Guangyu. Normally, General Pang handles the defensive work, while patrols on the border and resisting beast raids are the responsibility of Lu Li.”

Fu Qing didn’t need to say more; Shi Xing was already well aware of the situation regarding the Third Army Corps stationed on the border.

On the surface, General Pang was the commander, but with his age and Lu Li’s status as the eldest son of Lu Guangyu, in practice, the two sides would listen to their own commanders. Lu Li was well decorated in military achievements, so when it came to critical moments requiring a fight, the frontline combat power was largely led by Lu Li.

However, Lu Li’s military rank had not yet been promoted, hence the need for General Pang to remain in command on the border.

Just as he thought of this, he heard Chi Yao asking, “I remember Lu Li has been on the border for several years; has he not returned to the Imperial Capital at all?”

Fei Chu replied, “No, but the troop stationed on the border is about to undergo a major rotation. When the Third Army Corps returns, he should no longer remain on the border.”

Thinking of something, Chi Yao continued, “Before the border was drawn back, which garrison point was he in charge of?”

Fu Qing called up a hologram to show Chi Yao.

Shi Xing didn’t look but was clear in his heart that it was the farthest garrison on the empire’s border.

Sure enough, after Chi Yao looked it over, he had Fu Qing pull up Lu Li’s résumé and said, “When he returns to the Imperial Capital, he should be promoted.”

Fei Chu nodded, “Yes, that’s about right. This way, there will be a younger member of the Lu family in the Third Army Corps.”

Fei Chu’s impression of Lu Li was quite good, “He seems to be quite sensible.”

Chi Yao did not comment.

Only thinking to ask, promotions and demotions in the military had established procedures; military achievements were the basis for promotions, and mistakes led to demotions, all according to regulations.

One Lu Li was not worth his significant attention.

Shi Xing, however, asked about something else, “Are there any Blue Star humans in the maturity period on the several planets currently guarded by the Third Army Corps?”

Xu Jin responded, “Information about Blue Star humans in the maturity period is not disclosed to the public. Let me inquire with the Nest.”

Not disclosed to the public meant wherever they went and whatever problems they encountered, they had to report regularly to the Nest to help it keep track of their situation and dynamics.

Er Ya asked curiously, “Why are you asking this?”

Shi Xing explained, “Five beasts, with two killed, the remaining three can’t be kept on the battleship?”

This was common knowledge; Chi Yao’s decision led to Er Ya checking the mental powers of these beasts daily to ensure their “obedience.”

Shi Xing said, “The SS-rank and the S-rank mutated one can be given to me. I probably won’t need the S-rank, and since they are already taken, let’s distribute them to other Blue Star humans in the maturity period.”

Turning to Chi Yao, he smiled, “Your Highness captured the beasts before, didn’t you also have the nearby Blue Star humans come to absorb their energy?”

Indeed, this was the case.

Otherwise, Hua Li and Yun Wu wouldn’t have become so familiar with Chi Yao.

They had all received Chi Yao’s gifts during their maturity period.

And this kind of gifting was a result of status and responsibility.

What Shi Xing was doing now was just following in Chi Yao’s footsteps, doing what his position should entail.

Chi Yao was momentarily surprised but then smiled as well.

Feeling Shi Xing’s rapid growth, he was a little comforted and somewhat proud.

Not only Chi Yao felt this way, but even Fei Chu remarked from the side, “Xingxing, you’re increasingly resembling a direct royal partner.”

Xu Jin laughed, “Yeah, I still remember at the beginning, fearing that there were too many courses and Xingxing wouldn’t be able to catch up, but now looking at him, it was completely overthought.”

Shi Xing already had the dignity of a direct partner.

Everyone began to discuss this back and forth, and the atmosphere in the spaceship was good.

Shi Xing rubbed his eyes, and Chi Yao asked in a voice only they could hear, “Are you sleepy again?”

Receiving Shi Xing’s slight nod, Chi Yao gently said, “Then rest against me for a while.”

“This planet is large, and it will take some time to reach the garrison point of the Third Army Corps.”

Shi Xing agreed.

Having had a low fever and less activity on the mothership, it was manageable, but once he needed to be alert for a formal occasion, his condition couldn’t hold out for too long.

What Shi Xing didn’t know was that as soon as he closed his eyes, he fell asleep. Chi Yao signaled the people on the spaceship, and everyone silently hushed, while the blanket that General Shi Changyue carried was draped over Shi Xing.

Xu Jin expressed his concern, “I wonder when the fever will subside.”

Er Ya sighed lightly, “His rank is too high; he has to suffer a bit more. If it were merely a low fever like the last two months, it would be fine, but if…”

Er Ya felt an inkling of fear, suspecting Shi Xing had not yet entered the final stage of the maturity period, thinking he was perhaps still in transition.

Thinking of something bad, Er Ya halted her thoughts, not wanting to jinx it, and fell silent.

Hoping for smooth sailing, but internally, it felt unrealistic.

Lunch was shared with the officers of the Third Army Corps.

Inside the building.

Without the wind and sand, Shi Xing felt much more comfortable.

This gathering was attended by high-ranking officers from the Third Army Corps, and Lu Lu naturally couldn’t join.

Casual conversations at the dining table allowed both sides to gain mutual impressions.

Most from their side felt that the Third Army Corps operated in an orderly manner, with actions well-trained, noting that General Pang Shangfu and Major General Lu Li had trained the troops well.

Conversely, the Third Army’s side was somewhat amazed by Shi Xing’s status.

Regardless of whether they were new or veteran officers in the First Army Corps, they all regarded Shi Xing with respect. During discussions of military affairs, Shi Xing, as a Blue Star human, could voice his opinions, and the First Army Corps listened seriously without any sign of impatience.

Seemingly minor reactions, yet they vividly illustrated Shi Xing’s status within the First Army Corps.

It was certainly not the case that he had just started engaging in military affairs today; even if it wasn’t to the degree of the Emperor, where all military affairs went through subordinates, he must have some involvement in military management.

Later, Shi Xing’s words further affirmed Lu Li’s speculation.

Upon learning that Shi Xing had decided to support immediately, the officers of the Third Army Corps considered the influence of Shi Xing’s voice in the military.

Moreover, Chi Yao’s attitude towards Shi Xing also indicated that their relationship was quite good.

After the meal, Shi Xing returned to the mothership.

His low fever made him a bit tired, and his face would turn an unnatural shade of red. No one was blind; everyone could see he was unwell, so the officers of the Third Army Corps did not attempt to hold him back. After bidding farewell with proper courtesies, they watched as Chi Yao personally buttoned Shi Xing’s cloak, instructing his subordinates to take good care of him and adjusting Shi Xing’s hat before seeing him off.

Everyone had realized Shi Xing’s importance in Chi Yao’s heart.

After the meal, they entered the main topic, discussing border defenses and military matters.

“Where’s Lu Lu?”

After discussing military affairs, when they personally sent Chi Yao back to the mothership and departed, Lu Li turned to his partner, Wen Xi, and asked.

Wen Xi replied, “At the garrison point.”

After thinking it over, he answered honestly, “The guards outside said he wanted to come closer, but fortunately, we had warned them in advance, so someone sent him away.”

“He really came?” Lu Li’s expression turned unpleasant.

Wen Xi felt troubled but acknowledged the undeniable fact with a nod.

Realizing what was troubling Lu Li, Wen Xi said, “Lu Lu grew up in the Imperial Capital. When he became sensible, Mamman had a disagreement with his mother. Since both of you were not in the Imperial Capital, his mother inevitably spoiled him a bit.”

The “mother” in his words referred to the Princess Consort, Tan Shao.

Lu Li remained silent; he had always been cautious.

Once they boarded the spaceship, when it was just the two of them, he continued discussing this matter.

Slamming his palm down on the table, Lu Li angrily said, “He’s being reckless! Does he not know whose presence he is being impudent in front of?!”

“If the Emperor’s mental power is fully on alert, he can encompass this entire planet without a problem, and this time he brought Prince Bi Zhou with him. While the Emperor has issues with his mental sea, Prince Bi Zhou does not; he…”

Taking a breath, Lu Li pinched the bridge of his nose and said, “Mom is right; he seems a bit obsessed with that person.”

Regarding the Lu family affairs, Wen Xi chose his words carefully and only advised, “Youngsters often admire beauty. Lu Lu is still young.”

Lu Li knew very well that his younger brother was still youthful, but…

“Shi Xing is about the same age, and today, you’ve seen what kind of person he is.”

“Not to mention the Emperor’s decisiveness; to earn the respect of so many veteran generals is no small feat.”

“And him, not knowing the difference, is still acting inappropriately, even in the face of such starkly different identities…”

Lu Li felt a headache coming on, pressing his forehead.

Wen Xi asked, “You put him in the team today because you wanted to observe his reaction, and now you know. What are you going to do about it?”

Indeed, Lu Lu’s position at the back of the team today was arranged by Lu Li to gauge how he would react in an uncertain situation.

“I thought if he could remain rational, then I wouldn’t interfere…”

“But I didn’t expect…”

Wen Xi could only mediate, “Lu Lu has been behaving himself during this year on the border.”

Lu Lu was usually obedient; Lu Li was aware of this. It was precisely because he knew that seeing Lu Lu acting out because of Shi Xing made Lu Li even angrier.

But discussing this now was pointless.

After calming his emotions for a moment, Lu Li asked, “Has his mental sea treatment been completed?”

Wen Xi nodded, “It was completed last month.”

“This month’s observation results have also been good, with no relapses.”

Letting out a deep breath, Lu Li said, “When he first arrived, didn’t he demand to return to the Empire? It just so happens that a beast tide is approaching; he should go back.”

Thinking this was a good plan, when he saw Lu Lu again, he was met with a refusal.

Lu Li remained calm and questioned Lu Lu, “Didn’t you want to go home when you came? Why do you not want to leave now?”

Lu Lu looked at Lu Li with determination in his eyes, not responding, instead asking, “Why do you want me to go, brother?”

Lu Li replied, “There are large quantities of beasts coming this way, and the border situation is changing. If a beast tide forms, it will be dangerous upon their arrival. You suffered an injury to your mental sea when you were young because of the family’s negligence. If it happens again, as your older brother, I must take good care of you.”

His reasoning was sound, and his expression showed no signs of strangeness.

This explanation was exactly what Lu Li would say.

Unable to discern anything from Lu Li and Wen Xi’s expressions, Lu Lu softened his tone once he heard his brother was looking out for him.

But he insisted, “Brother, I want to stay here for a while longer. I… my mental power has been graded now, and I might be able to help you against the beast tide.”

Lu Li did not speak.

Lu Lu persisted, and Lu Li chose not to persuade him further, saying he would consider it, and departed with Wen Xi.

As they left, Lu Lu still managed to ask who the Emperor’s partner was.

Lu Li’s tone was formal, “Why are you asking this?”

Lu Lu’s situation with Shi Xing was known to Tan Shao; after arriving at the border, he had not mentioned it to Lu Li. Neither Lu Li nor Wen Xi had discussed such personal topics with Lu Lu. Subconsciously, Lu Lu believed that his elder brother was unaware.

Clearly, Lu Lu did not want to elaborate, stammering that he had spent some time at the Nest and knew some Blue Star humans in the maturity period, wanting to see if there were any familiar faces.

Receiving a more procedural response from Lu Li, “Information and dynamics of Blue Star humans in the maturity period are reported only to the Nest. There should be no secret inquiries within the country or military.”

“If you want to know, wait until after they have completed the maturity period and see what the Empire reports.”

Lu Lu was left speechless.

Fortunately, Lu Li was always fair-minded. His response left Lu Lu with no doubt.

However, after Lu Li departed, Lu Lu felt more convinced that his suspicions were true.

If the Emperor were to match with a Blue Star human, Shi Xing would be the highest-ranked among this batch of Blue Star humans…

But then, wasn’t Shi Xing’s choice limited to the other five officers? How was it now about the Emperor?!

This created a dissonance with the situation Lu Lu remembered, and he couldn’t comprehend the key points, but… that silhouette was indeed quite similar…

Logic conflicted with instinct, leaving Lu Lu unable to understand.

Exiting Lu Lu’s room, Lu Li immediately instructed his subordinates, “Send someone to the Emperor’s mothership, saying that there are many active indigenous animals on the planet, all of peculiar shapes; we need to ensure they are well protected.”

Lu Li added, “Keep a close watch on Lu Lu as well; report to me immediately if there’s any situation.”

“Understood.”

Beasts were heading toward the garrison area of the Third Army Corps.

The first batches were all low-ranked beasts, which were not troublesome to deal with. The First Army’s warships arrived at full speed, and when they got there, the beasts approaching were sparse and not yet organized.

What was troublesome was that the high-ranking beasts had not yet left that planet.

“We’ve already detected five SS-rank mutated beasts and currently three SSS-rank mutated beasts.”

“Among the SS-ranks, the highest mutation level is D-level.”

“Among the SSS-ranks, the highest mutation is also D-level.”

Qin Jue reported the current status of their departure from that planet to Shi Xing.

After finishing, Fei Chu couldn’t help but curse.

Qin Jue looked at Fei Chu helplessly, “Don’t be like that. The worst news is still to come.”

Shi Xing remained calm, “You can ignore him, Qin Zhongjiang; continue.”

Qin Jue continued, “Everyone knows that the higher the rank of a beast, the more likely the detection device can discover it quickly at the same distance.”

Everyone nodded.

Qin Jue explained, “Because of the existence of the border, high-ranked beasts come to the Twin Star Galaxy infrequently.”

“So…”

Shi Xing caught on, “You mean, outside the range that can be detected by the instruments, there might still be high-ranked beasts flocking over?”

“In theory, yes.”

So many mutated beasts only appeared within detection range days later.

This suggested that they had originally started from distances not detectable by the instruments.

“Does the Emperor know?” Shi Xing asked.

Qin Jue replied, “The situation was reported to the Emperor immediately, and he decided to increase the number of detection devices.”

Shi Xing nodded, knowing that while Qin Jue was his subordinate, he was also an officer in the First Army Corps. Important military matters were reported simultaneously to both Chi Yao and him.

Shi Xing inquired, “Is there an estimated time for their departure?”

Qin Jue candidly answered, “It’s hard to predict, because the higher-ranked beasts are searching around that planet with great diligence.”

And searching for what was self-evident.

They were all looking for Shi Xing’s whereabouts.

Shi Xing acknowledged this and asked a few more questions about the recent beast attacks, finally receiving some good news.

“The beasts coming now are relatively low in rank; the Third Army Corps can handle them on their own.”

“This morning, His Highness ordered Zhuang Yuanyin to bring Prince Bi Zhou to provide support, allowing Prince Bi Zhou some practice.”

“The beasts arriving are still unorganized, coming in small factions, and large-scale assaults are estimated to occur in at least five days.”

“There are currently no mutated beasts leaving that planet, but among them, there are surely spatially mutated types. Once they leave and head this way, to be safe, the estimated arrival time will also be five days.”

After the military report, Shi Xing instructed Qin Jue to go ahead and get busy.

Once Qin Jue left, Er Ya came with the medical staff to knock on the door for an examination.

“Oh right, Officer Xu found a Blue Star human in the maturity period. He has already brought someone over today. The S-rank beast is no longer here; he asked me to inform you,” she said.

Shi Xing nodded, not asking who specifically; as long as the beasts were not wasted, that was fine.

With a “beep” sound, the nurse looked at the thermometer’s reading and turned to Er Ya.

“Is it still rising?”

The nurse nodded.

What Er Ya was referring to was Shi Xing’s body temperature.

They had landed on the main star for two days, and Shi Xing’s low fever persisted, while his condition was not as stable as the previous two months.

He felt his mental state fluctuating greatly, sometimes okay, while at other times lethargic without much vitality, and always feeling sleepy. Seeing Er Ya worried, he had daily checkups from the medical staff. By today, Er Ya’s feeling was confirmed; Shi Xing’s temperature had started to rise again.

Fei Chu glanced over, raising an eyebrow, “0.02?”

Receiving Er Ya’s serious response, “Don’t underestimate the small rise. If it keeps increasing like this, it will be problematic.”

Feeling a vague noise, Shi Xing furrowed his brows unconsciously.

When he came back to his senses, Fei Chu’s barrier was already open.

Shi Xing felt a bit apologetic and said, “Did I unintentionally let my mental power spread again?”

Er Ya nodded.

Shi Xing, feeling weary, said, “I’m sorry.”

Fu Qing waved his hand, “Oh, why apologize? Feeling unwell is just like that; don’t think too much about it.”

Shi Xing nodded.

Although he could control his abilities, it seemed learning this skill had opened some switch in his body, leading to uncontrollable situations.

Er Ya provided another explanation, “He should be nearing the end of his maturity period. With such a high rank, unusual circumstances are not uncommon.”

Fei Chu frowned, “When do you think he will get over it?”

Er Ya shook her head, “I have never encountered such a high-ranked Blue Star human; there’s no reference.”

This too was a truth.

Shi Xing, feeling exhausted, asked, “Can I sleep for a bit after the examination?”

He received a confirming nod.

Shi Xing said, “Fei Ge, you can go ahead and be busy. Fu Qing can follow along; I’ll have Qin Zhongjiang report here.”

Rubbing his forehead, Shi Xing added, “If I am feeling better later, I will attend the military meeting. If not, you all remember to remind His Highness to have lunch on time.”

However, that day, Shi Xing’s condition was not good.

In the afternoon, his temperature was measured again, and it had risen further. Just as Er Ya had said, the increase was slight, but it simply wouldn’t come down.

That evening, Chi Yao returned early and accompanied Shi Xing for dinner.

During the evening work, Shi Xing, feeling unwell, dozed off on Chi Yao’s lap while Chi Yao dealt with state affairs sent from the Empire.

He initially thought that Shi Xing being unconscious was the worst state he could find himself in.

But upon seeing Shi Xing now, he realized he was wrong.

Watching Shi Xing, who looked soft without much spirit and feeling helpless himself, made him feel even more distressed.

Yet, Shi Xing comforted him, saying, “It’s nothing, Your Highness. This period will soon pass.”

In theory, his mental sea should still be developing, but it was just that Shi Xing felt it was not evident.

Covering Shi Xing’s mouth, Chi Yao said, “Don’t talk if you’re uncomfortable.”

Shi Xing nodded, and while Chi Yao looked over state affairs, he suddenly felt a weight on his waist, looking down to find Shi Xing had climbed up, burying his face in his abdomen, hugging him.

“Are you really uncomfortable?”

Worried something was wrong with Shi Xing, Chi Yao spoke in a gentle tone.

Shi Xing shook his head and suddenly said, “I just think you’re nice and want to hug you.”

Rubbing Shi Xing’s head, Chi Yao felt his heart soften.

Sick Shi Xing seemed especially clingy, curling up to sleep in Chi Yao’s embrace at night.

He slept through the night without dreams.

The next day, upon waking, Chi Yao’s first instinct was to touch Shi Xing’s forehead. Feeling the temperature made his heart race.

His palm felt unusually hot.

Shi Xing’s low fever had developed into a high fever.

Chi Yao called Shi Xing several times before he finally woke up, his damp eyelashes fluttering open, revealing noticeably reddened cheekbones.

He looked lethargic, showing visible signs of illness.