ABRIWMTHM Chapter 39

Chi Yao didn’t react much. Fu Qing thought he hadn’t heard clearly and repeated the last sentence again.

Chi Yao: “I heard it.”

Three words, his enunciation slightly hoarse.

With long lashes lowered, Chi Yao felt he should be happy about it, but in reality, his heart was calm.

Perhaps it was because he had experienced a long time of countless expectations that only brought back numerous disappointments, over time, he stopped investing hope in this area. Even when he really brought Shi Xing back during the matching, he had no unrealistic expectations in his heart, only wanting to go with the flow…

Unexpectedly…

In this moment, the vision that had been delayed for too long came true, and Chi Yao felt somewhat lacking in the expected reaction.

“Your Highness, are you not happy?”

Fu Qing’s smile was about to stiffen. He danced back, but upon seeing Chi Yao standing still and emotionless, his heart couldn’t help but beat faster.

This sentence felt like it had pierced through some transparent barrier.

After speaking, Chi Yao lowered his head. “No.”

After a moment of pause, he raised his head again, and finally wore a faint smile.

Chi Yao said: “I’m happy.”

His smile was not as expressive as Fu Qing’s joy, but it was particularly sincere, with something heavy deposited within, making these three words sound particularly weighty and indisputable.

Chi Yao followed Fu Qing onto the mothership, where Shi Xing was undergoing his second talent assessment of the day.

Xu Jin explained, “The staff and teachers were also surprised. They were worried that something might have gone wrong with the optical brain during the transfer. The optical brain was just tested and debugged, and to be safe, they let Shi Xing be tested again.”

He added, “The mental power used for the test wasn’t much. I asked, and Shi Xing said he could manage. The optical brain’s data analysis also shows that he can still endure another test.”

After Shi Xing had unilaterally treated Chi Yao, and subsequently had a fever, everyone was a bit PTSD regarding Shi Xing’s use of mental power, being extra cautious.

But this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Chi Yao even praised Xu Jin for being considerate.

With Chi Yao’s supportive attitude, Xu Jin and Yan Changyue also had a sense of what level they needed to treat Shi Xing with in the future.

“How much have we tested so far?” Chi Yao asked.

Xu Jin: “Just the last item. Today, only Shi Xing is here, and the results of the first four items have been tested and released.”

“The first three items evaluated Shi Xing’s current level: mental power intensity SS, mental sea threshold SSS, and mental thread density SS+. These results are the same as in the first test.”

“The fourth item gave a mental sea potential of 3S+, also the same as the first time.”

Listening to Xu Jin’s report, Chi Yao looked at the projection screen displaying the real-time results, recalling what the optical brain had rated during Shi Xing’s first talent assessment in the tree nest, “So, the optical brain’s “+” signs for Shi Xing’s rating indicate an immeasurable upper limit.”

The planets in the galaxy where the Empire is located revolve around the two central stars, Yao Star and Can Star; therefore, their galaxy is known as the Twin Star Galaxy or the Twin Star System.

The highest rating for mental power within the Twin Star Galaxy is SSS level.

However, this does not mean that SSS is the maximum level that biological entities in the Twin Star Galaxy can achieve.

For instance, Chi Yao’s first test showed a 3S in each category, and if he wanted to test again, it should also show results of SSS+. The meaning of the “+” indicates that his abilities far exceed the SSS level.

Thinking of something, Chi Yao reaffirmed to himself, “That’s true. Last time, there was a talent that hadn’t awakened yet and the optical brain must have sensed it, so it kept fluctuating between SS and SSS, finally settling at a “+” sign.”

As he spoke, the last test was completed, and the result popped up, also showing as SSS+.

Xu Jin added, “It was also this number just now; repeated tests showed the same, confirming that the data is sound.”

“Shi Xing now has an overall level of SSS.”

With Xu Jin’s addition, the overall evaluation indeed showed a 3S result.

Once the testing was completed, the staff and teachers had free hands and all came to pay their respects to Chi Yao.

Soon, the little Blue Star human, after being checked for heart rate and mental power by the medical staff, was released and ran up to Chi Yao with a smile, cheerfully calling out, “Your Highness!”

“Mm.” Upon seeing something, Chi Yao reached out to ruffle Shi Xing’s hair, “Why are you all sweaty?”

Shi Xing knew what Chi Yao was going to ask and replied, “The testing time was quite long; it’s a bit hot after being in the machine for so long.”

It wasn’t due to using mental power.

Chi Yao felt relieved and nodded his chin.

Yan Changyue brought a towel but handed it to Chi Yao first, who pressed it on Shi Xing’s forehead, “Wipe it yourself.”

Despite saying that, he wiped Shi Xing’s sweat before finally handing the towel back to the little one.

Shi Xing only smiled, his smile bright.

He looked to be in a good mood.

When the staff brought over the data, everyone had a clear and unified understanding of it.

Staff: “Mental power intensity SS, and mental thread density SS+, but both of these are still growing. Once the maturity period is passed, they should also reach 3S+ level.”

“Shi Xing’s mental sea threshold was evaluated at 3S.”

“The remaining two potential assessments were all estimated by the optical brain to be above 3S.”

Chi Yao nodded and chatted with the staff and teachers for a while. Soon after, a hand-drawn projection was placed in front of everyone. At first glance, Chi Yao didn’t understand the illustration.

The staff explained, “Shi Xing said his mental sea is a bit different now. Currently, we only know he has awakened a second talent, but what it specifically is remains unclear…”

Chi Yao interrupted, “Still unclear?”

Shi Xing nodded beside him, “Mm, it’s not as obvious as my first talent ability at least.”

Shi Xing’s first talent allowed him to visualize energy in his field of view.

What he saw after awakening in his previous life was quite obvious and easily recognizable as a change.

But this newly awakened talent…

Shi Xing shrugged helplessly, “The optical brain has confirmed that I have awakened another talent, but right now, besides my mental sea being different, I still don’t know what it is or how to use it.”

Chi Yao nodded, knowing that royal bloodlines would accompany talent abilities. Historically, there have indeed been cases where people initially do not understand what their talent is.

The usual reason for such situations is that the talent ability is rather unique; this requires time for the talent to become more apparent.

Chi Yao: “So this drawing represents the current condition of your mental sea.”

Shi Xing: “Yes.”

Staff: “Shi Xing hasn’t fully recovered yet, and it isn’t convenient to use higher-level mental power for probing; that’s why we let him draw it.”

Chi Yao gestured for Shi Xing to explain the projection.

Shi Xing pulled the projection in front of him, pointing out, “The middle part is my mental sea. During the awakening of my talent, a section expanded, and this part of the mental threads is still growing. For now, everything feels normal. What’s strange is that I have a new outer area around my mental sea.”

This description was peculiar, and Chi Yao quickly caught the key point: “A new part? Not in the form of the mental sea?”

This was strange to Shi Xing, “Yes, it’s not in the form of the mental sea. It’s…”

Shi Xing thought for a long time, “If I had to say, it resembles a beach by the sea.”

Just a metaphor, of course; the actual situation was much more complex. If the mental sea appeared as a liquid energy sea in perception, the surrounding part was solid, and even if it was covered with something resembling sand and gravel, Shi Xing could sense that below this ‘beach’ was a honeycomb-shaped hollow structure with no apparent supports at the bottom.

In his perception, it felt like complete void.

Like a total nothingness.

After accurately relaying the situation to everyone, Shi Xing hesitated, “In the past, has anyone had such a situation with their mental sea?”

The teachers all shook their heads.

The staff earnestly said, “Never heard of it.”

Xu Jin, as a senior of about the same age as the staff, also shook his head, “Never heard of the mental sea having other forms.”

It was Chi Yao who stared at the drawing for a long time and suddenly said, “Looking at the drawing alone, it somewhat resembles the boundary line of the Twin Star Galaxy.”

The boundary line was established during discussions among all planets in the Twin Star Galaxy hundreds of years ago for setting up defensive protection around the outermost edge of the galaxy.

“It seems like a layer of protection over the mental sea.”

But it was just a guess, with no real evidence to support the conclusion.

Chi Yao: “Can this part generate mental power?”

Shi Xing shook his head.

His way of generating mental power still relied on the mental sea; this added part was like something extra, just quietly there. Currently, it appeared entirely inert.

Shi Xing wasn’t sure if it could be summoned or if it could produce anything.

Of course, his current state wasn’t suitable for conducting any tests or practices to help determine that.

Everyone understood that Shi Xing still needed rest; even returning to normal would likely take some time.

Finally, Chi Yao said, “Then let’s stop here for today.”

“We can stay for a few more days, and since the mothership is stationed here, there may still be places where the optical brain can be useful.”

To be on the safe side, Chi Yao didn’t immediately send the people from the nest back.

Shi Xing’s situation was simply too special, and the staff had no objections.

Leading Shi Xing back to the main ship, even with two test assessments, there was still some energy depletion. While Yan Changyue went to get some fruits, Shi Xing, who had been sitting on the sofa with a pillow, unknowingly fell asleep.

Chi Yao felt something leaning against him, looked over, and only then realized it was Shi Xing asleep with his eyes closed.

Chi Yao: “…”

Everyone: “…”

Xu Jin felt sorry for him: “He must be too tired. He just awakened a talent.”

He gently patted Shi Xing’s head, feeling his steady breath. Chi Yao moved the sofa over so Shi Xing could lie down straight, and Yan Changyue brought a blanket. They all didn’t disturb Shi Xing, allowing him to sleep while they continued their discussions in low voices, ensuring he wouldn’t be awakened.

For many days afterwards, Shi Xing didn’t want to touch any crystals, still feeling his mental sea was engulfed.

Chi Yao didn’t push him. Education was paused due to Shi Xing’s physical condition. Every day, Chi Yao processed documents in the study while Shi Xing stayed nearby, reading books and browsing the star network, passing the time.

It started off well, but over the following days, as Xu Jin and Yan Changyue’s pampering intensified, Chi Yao observed Shi Xing’s side of the sofa, which accumulated everything from snacks to towels, blankets, a small gaming device, and beast core crystals—saying there was an abundance of it wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

It was as if they had condensed an entertainment room into a corner of his study.

Regarding this, Chi Yao turned a blind eye. Since Shi Xing’s condition wasn’t suitable for studying, resting well wasn’t wrong either.

Over these days, it was evident that Shi Xing’s energy wasn’t good; he would often fall asleep, sometimes intentionally, other times simply lying down while watching information or Star Network dramas, and the moment his eyes closed, he was out.

Without Shi Xing knowing, regardless of whether he was adept or not, Chi Yao had covered him with blankets numerous times.

At first, Shi Xing felt shy about sleeping in front of Chi Yao, but as it happened more frequently, he got used to rubbing his eyes and sitting up to find Chi Yao working.

Only a few people knew about Shi Xing’s second awakening, and while the capital knew that Chi Yao was returning, they still didn’t see him and his entourage. The Senate and the Elders Council, either directly or indirectly, inquired about their whereabouts.

They only received replies about Chi Yao’s other arrangements—metaphorically shifting a mountain with a feather, refusing to give a specific return date.

Regarding the Elders Council’s previous proposal, Chi Yao hadn’t provided any attitude or opinions, and as time passed, the Council President, Ren Yan Yong, grew anxious, and during Shi Xing’s recovery, he vaguely brought it up again.

It was still predominantly persuading.

Thinking that Shi Xing should hear it, Chi Yao canceled the sound barrier between them and let Shi Xing come closer to listen to Ren Yan Yong’s report.

Most of it was related to other matters.

Concerning Shi Xing’s rights, there were only a couple of brief mentions, likely fearing that talking too much would annoy Chi Yao, with good timing to grasp it.

Ren Yan Yong said, “Your Majesty, the Blue Star has already disappeared. The Blue Star humans currently exist in the Empire’s Tree Nest, showing from all aspects that they are socially disadvantaged and physically weak. During the maturity period, various accidents could occur, and delaying conferring the corresponding rights of a royal direct partner to Shi Xing is, on one hand, considered from the stability of the Empire. The mortality rate of Blue Star humans during maturity is high, that’s an indisputable fact—what if… what will happen to the vacancies created then? If the Empire’s structural systems change and he suddenly releases his hold, would it cause turmoil in the capital? These are all considerations.”

“On the other hand, this decision is actually for Shi Xing’s good.”

Chi Yao, intrigued, asked, “For his good?”

Plainly stated, with no particular tone, but Ren Yan Yong’s heart still skipped a beat upon being asked, maintaining his calm demeanor.

“Yes, the bodies of Blue Star humans are weak. The maturity period is inherently challenging. If, during this period, he still has to shoulder corresponding responsibilities, he must learn a lot. Even if the academic tasks are reduced, it would still take him two years to fully grasp it, just like you, having some degree of speaking power—doesn’t that feel a bit… beyond what he can handle? Considering his physical condition, it’s quite strenuous?”

Chi Yao still replied, “Understood.”

Just these three words, with no corresponding attitude or agreement conveyed.

Ren Yan Yong withdrew.

Chi Yao looked at Shi Xing and asked his thoughts on that speech.

This time, Chi Yao was prepared, giving a heads up, “If you don’t understand the pros and cons, just say you don’t know. If you don’t want to annoy me, don’t agree with him.”

Shi Xing, who originally wanted to say that, responded, “…”

Shi Xing actually didn’t understand, “Is whether I have the speaking power he mentioned very important?”

Chi Yao’s response was equally dizzying, “You think it isn’t important?”

Shi Xing honestly replied, “I don’t know.”

This part hadn’t been taught yet, and Shi Xing also wasn’t clear on what it entailed, targeting which organizations and which individuals.

This answer seemed more reasonable, and Chi Yao nodded.

Shi Xing’s education was organized by him, so it was clear whether he had taught him.

Indeed, this part hadn’t been taught; there hadn’t been time.

Chi Yao suddenly stopped with his long finger holding a marker, and said abruptly, “I am your protector. During your maturity period, I should protect you.”

“But the education I’ve received since childhood is such that no one can protect another person entirely without flaws.”

Especially as they were at the center of the power structure, various accidental situations could easily occur.

Chi Yao switched his tone, speaking softly, “If one day, I can’t be promptly by your side, due to various situations and reasons, you’ll have to face some matters alone.”

“Of course, I’ll try my best to avoid such scenarios. It’s just a hypothesis; should there unfortunately come a moment like that.”

Chi Yao spoke sincerely, “If so, then I hope that during my absence, you will have some self-protective abilities. That way, even if I’m not around, I can rest assured that you have backup to support you for some time, instead of being at the mercy of others the moment I’m gone.”

After this speech, Chi Yao didn’t require Shi Xing’s response and continued with his work.

Shi Xing replayed the words in his mind several times, vaguely realizing that this segment seemed to correspond to the “speaking power.”

So, did the prince disagree with the Elders Council’s opinion? Did the prince hope he would have speaking power as a self-protective fallback?

By the time he figured this out, a lot of time had passed. Noticing that Chi Yao was seriously handling affairs, Shi Xing didn’t want to irritate Chi Yao with questions he was unclear about, so he kept his doubts bottled up.

This question was only mentioned during Ren Yan Yong’s communication that day, and it didn’t come up again afterward.

Since he didn’t mention it, Shi Xing focused on resting and recovering.

About five or six days later, Shi Xing finally wanted to absorb energy again.

His mental state had improved and he wasn’t getting sleepy all the time.

The staff and teachers believed that Shi Xing’s awakening had been fully completed, marking signs that he was returning to a normal daily state.

A sound plan.

Until Shi Xing picked up a crystal again.

“Aren’t you going to absorb it? Just playing with it?”

In the study, Chi Yao noticed that the crystal hadn’t changed at all.

Shi Xing froze for a moment, looking down to see the crystal perfectly intact in his hand, not a bit of change.

Noticing Shi Xing’s surprise, Chi Yao closed the projection screen and walked to him. “Is there something wrong?”

There was something wrong.

Very wrong.

Shi Xing’s eyes widened as he stared at the crystal in disbelief, “But, but I want to absorb energy!”

Usually, he could do it right away, but today, the crystal laid in his hand without a clue of change.

Chi Yao reached out to Shi Xing, who understood and held onto his long finger.

After a moment, Chi Yao said, “You are unconsciously absorbing my mental power.”

And this absorption was faster than usual.

Shi Xing reached for the crystal again, and two minutes later, nothing happened.

He tried another one, then another, and all remained the same; the little crystals that would usually be absorbed within a minute now felt like stones in his hand, with no changes at all.

A thought flashed through Chi Yao’s mind, forming a guess.

He had Xu Jin call the people from the tree nest, and when everyone gathered in one room, Chi Yao had Shi Xing hold onto Fu Qing to give it a shot.

Fu Qing said, “I feel you are absorbing my mental power, but it’s not fast; it feels slower than before.”

Chi Yao nodded, taking a beast core and replacing the crystal in Shi Xing’s hand.

So under everyone’s watchful eyes, the beast core, like the previous crystal, quickly dimmed and disintegrated in just a few minutes, ultimately crumbling into powder with the energy inside entirely absorbed.

Shi Xing’s eyes widened in shock, as if he had seen something supernatural.

Chi Yao exhaled and voiced his suspicion, “The second talent awakening is likely causing you to require higher-level energy during your maturity period.”

The more powerful the therapist, the more advanced energy their abilities required sustenance.

In other words…

The staff was stunned, “These crystals’ energy levels don’t meet the standard; they are useless for your ability growth.”

So Shi Xing stopped absorbing because it yielded no effect.

It was akin to a person drinking water without ever feeling full.

Shi Xing: “!”

Chi Yao suggested, “What if you actively use your ability to absorb the crystal? I think that should work as well.”

Chi Yao’s guess was correct; not only could he absorb it, but he could do so rapidly; within a few blinks, the crystal was gone.

Shi Xing’s eyes grew even rounder.

Because…

He absorbed it, yet he felt absolutely nothing.

It was as if the energy simply slipped into his mental sea, akin to a cow sinking into the sea, neither feeling full nor hungry.

Drinking water gave him a greater feeling of satiety compared to absorbing the energy from the crystal.

The staff couldn’t help but feel anxious, “But beast cores aren’t always available; S-class beast cores can’t be used as basic crystals—what about Shi Xing’s usual energy replenishment?”

This was also the first reaction of everyone present, filled with concern.

Chi Yao pondered for a moment and instructed Fu Qing, “Weren’t you sent a few crates of high-grade crystals from Yun Wu? Bring some over and let Shi Xing give them a try.”

When the crystals were finally brought over, everyone examined them one by one. The staff picked one up and remarked, “Why do I feel that the energy contained in this kind of crystal is almost comparable to a beast core?”

Chi Yao: “It’s the Red Ore from Campbell Star.”

Everyone comprehended, and the staff’s observation was indeed correct; this particular crystal was more commonly known by its nickname, “Little Beast Core.”

Chi Yao placed one in Shi Xing’s hand.

Shi Xing despairingly watched as the Red Ore in his palm faded just like the crystal before.

Campbell Star consisted of one planetary body and countless smaller mining satellites.

Every year, it exported a significant amount of crystals, with Red Ore being the most precious, exporting only a small fraction, while most were reserved for the nobles of Campbell Star.

Once again, silence fell in the room.

Seeing Chi Yao’s indifferent expression, Shi Xing hesitantly said, “Your Highness.”

With no words exchanged, everyone made him feel unsure.

Chi Yao noticed Shi Xing’s unease and chuckled, “Does this count as a self-fulfilling prophecy?”

Shi Xing: “?”

Chi Yao: “You mentioned during the matching that you only needed a little crystal to survive. Look, now you don’t need crystals at all.”

Shi Xing: “…”

Oh heavens, at this moment, the prince was referencing his earlier awkward joke, but he couldn’t laugh at all!

After joking, Chi Yao pinched the bridge of his nose. He wasn’t as relaxed as his words suggested.

But he soon had an idea.

“Coincidentally, I still haven’t declined Lady Campbell’s invitation. Don’t you like watching the snow?”

Shi Xing didn’t quite understand the connection between those two sentences.

Chi Yao: “Switch warships and divert to the Northern Territory.”

The Seventh Army, including Tan Bai Shan’s family, resided in the Northern Territory, along with the matriarch of the Tan family, Lady Campbell.

Shi Xing quietly asked, “Going there, for what reason?”

Chi Yao thought it through, “Beast cores can’t be available at all times, only crystals can. Since you can absorb Red Ore, we should go buy some.”

The Seventh Army was relatively special among the seven major armies; perhaps they could even smoothly address the issue of the Elders Council…

Shi Xing: “Are we buying some Red Ore crystals?”

Chi Yao: “No, we are buying a Campbell Red Ore mining star.”

Shi Xing: “?”

Shi Xing: “!!!”