ABRIWMTHM Chapter 52

Chi Yao said to pull it over, but the feedback from the Seventh Army stationed at the boundary line was not so optimistic after their observation.

Originally, this was just a backup option; the star beast they had initially focused on was not it.

Thus, a problem arose.

As a backup option, the Seventh Army stationed at the boundary line had its regular duties, and the reconnaissance forces assigned to the first beast were more substantial. Consequently, the observations on this star beast were quite limited.

Therefore, when the Northern Territory indicated the need to conduct another pull, after a second round of reconnaissance, the reported information differed from the first.

The first observation indicated that the star beast was close to an S rank and was non-mutated.

The second report indicated that the reconnaissance personnel believed that after a period of hunting and recovery, this star beast’s level had increased, likely above S, but whether it had reached SS was still uncertain. The drones had not yet captured any footage of it hunting, and thus there was no relevant data available for analysis, requiring further observation.

The level of the star beast might have undergone a leap, making it challenging to discern its mutation status.

The growth pattern of star beasts is as follows.

From birth to the juvenile stage, mutated star beasts are rare, and the majority present as non-mutated types.

However, once they reach adulthood, as their level rises, crossing a certain threshold may allow them to jump from non-mutated to mutated.

The researchers stationed at the boundary line have conducted long-term observations on this phenomenon. Currently, the mainstream theories in academia divide into two: one is that the mutation of mental power requires a level of support; hence, the silent mutation ability can only be triggered when the star beast’s mental power reaches a certain level.

The second theory is that the star beast, with thick skin and flesh, can traverse between planets in a vacuum without any assistance, possibly experiencing cosmic rays or energy turbulence along the way, triggering the expression of mutated genes, resulting in such a transformation.

Regardless of which theory is correct, one point is universally acknowledged.

That is, with each level increase, the mutation status of a star beast can change.

The news from the boundary line was subsequently placed on Chi Yao’s desk.

Chi Yao, with his long fingers tapping on the table, read through it word by word and said, “From the first hunting plan to the second pulling order, nearly two months have passed. This time is a bit long; it’s normal for the star beast to have some changes.”

In between, there was also the time spent on training and the time when Shi Xing absorbed the star beast’s power, during which they were searching for the cause of the mental power leakage.

Chi Yao felt relieved, “As long as it’s still here, that’s good.”

The report was made by Tan Bai Shan, who asked for further instructions.

Chi Yao thought for a moment and, not in a hurry, said, “Continue observing and clarify its level and mutation status.”

Chi Yao disliked engaging in unprepared battles.

Tan Bai Shan expressed concern, “But about Shi Xing’s mental power leakage…”

Chi Yao already had corresponding arrangements for that, “Although the absorption of the star beast’s residual mental power from the Empire’s personnel shows no external changes, the situation of mental power leakage has temporarily stopped.”

“I have already instructed Tan Jue to issue a notice within the First Army, allowing officers with old injuries to sign up for treatment.”

“If the doctor’s judgment is accurate, at least Shi Xing’s mental power leakage can be soothed.”

As for a complete cure, that would have to wait until the next star beast was absorbed.

With this agreement reached, Tan Bai Shan subsequently dispatched a team to the boundary line to enhance reconnaissance efforts.

Meanwhile, doctors aimed to detect whether Shi Xing had other accompanying issues.

In fact, it proved that the mismatch between the internal and external mental seas seemed to have only caused the leakage of mental power. In other aspects, from physical health to the use of healing mental power, Shi Xing was doing quite well.

Later, as the officers from the First Army who had signed up arrived in the Northern Territory one after another, Shi Xing’s mental power leakage was considered under control.

During this period, since Shi Xing felt no discomfort, the treatment from Chi Yao and Tan Chi continued without interruption.

As Tan Chi’s treatment was nearing its end, even though no one pressured them overtly, the frequency of inquiries about the treatment progress increased.

Including Chi Yao.

“Is Tan Chi’s mental sea almost healed?”

One night after treatment, Chi Yao asked Shi Xing.

Shi Xing replied truthfully, “A few more days, the central mental threads have only a small portion left to regenerate.”

“Since it’s the central core supporting the entire mental sea, the healing mental power needed for regeneration is also greater. I can’t say for sure how much longer it will take.”

Chi Yao nodded and asked, “When it’s healed, will heneed some time for self-recovery?”

Shi Xing affirmed, “Yes, the regenerated mental threads are fragile. To return completely to his pre-injury state, he will need to wait until the mental threads strengthen and engage in some specific training to fully recover.”

After thinking for a moment, Shi Xing added, “But since Tan Chi has not used his mental power for so many years, the actual recovery period may be longer than what I would estimate for an average person.”

Chi Yao was fine with that, “As long as he can recover, taking a long time is not a problem; it’s better than not being able to.”

“Compared to many fallen officers, Tan Chi can be considered quite lucky.”

This statement had no issues, as if it weren’t for Shi Xing’s presence in the Star Nest, Tan Chi’s mental sea, according to previous conditions, would now be close to drying up. Once it dried up, it would be completely wasted.

Chi Yao then asked, “For the army officers queuing for treatment from the First Army, are you finding it difficult?”

Shi Xing replied, “It’s fine; the injuries aren’t too severe.”

Officers whose injuries were too severe and had persisted for too long would put too much pressure on treatment; Fu Qing and Xiang Fei had already filtered them out during selection.

Chi Yao nodded.

There was a moment of silence in the room before Chi Yao finally mentioned the main point of this conversation, “Do you remember the choice I gave you back then?”

Shi Xing realized, belatedly, it was about being Chi Yao’s partner and the empowerment issue under Imperial law.

The Elders Council considered his physical condition and personal abilities; during his maturity period, they wanted to revoke his empowerment but also did not want him to bear the corresponding responsibilities.

Empowerment was divided into two aspects: political power and military power.

He was learning internal affairs for half a day every day now, most of which was taught by Xu Jin, and if he encountered some issues related to thought processes, Chi Yao would proactively explain things to him for a day or two… After more than half a year in the Northern Territory, he had only scratched the surface. Compared to six months ago when he knew nothing, he could now understand the scope of powers of the Senate and the Elders Council.

He did not believe he could grasp political power.

Fortunately, Chi Yao had no intention of that either.

His Highness meant that the First Army was his personal army and wanted Shi Xing to take the corresponding military power.

At least the military power of the First Army could be guaranteed. As for the other six armies, once the First Army was organized, they would need to think of further methods. However, the military structure was simpler than the political system, and Shi Xing’s advanced healing abilities were urgently needed by the officers; therefore, no matter how it was approached, it would be easier than political power and relatively more attainable.

However, once gained, there would be corresponding responsibilities attached.

Thus, Chi Yao let Shi Xing choose.

At the critical juncture when Tan Chi was about to be healed, Chi Yao’s early questioning aligned well with Shi Xing’s character—meticulous.

After a moment of thought, realizing this was a serious topic, Shi Xing grabbed a pillow and sat cross-legged on the pure white carpet prepared by Xu Jin, a position that relaxed him.

Chi Yao sat on the sofa. It was bedtime, and both of them were dressed in comfortable pajamas, creating a warm atmosphere.

There was no oppressive feeling from Chi Yao, making it seem like a regular chat.

Shi Xing gazed forward, opening his mouth, “In fact, I had thought about this issue a long time ago, Your Highness.”

“But you said to wait until I had entered the internal affairs before answering, so I had not expressed my position earlier.”

“Well… After studying for so long, internal affairs indeed seem very complicated. Even if I just want military power, the responsibilities I would shoulder are not light; I know that well.”

He raised his eyes slightly and saw Chi Yao nodding, signaling him to continue.

Shi Xing straightened his back, sat more upright, took a deep breath, and spoke clearly.

“My decision hasn’t changed; I will do as you wish, first for military power and shoulder the corresponding responsibilities.”

Chi Yao lowered his gaze for a moment and suddenly said, “I want to hear your opinion.”

Understanding the deeper meaning, Shi Xing was candid, “That is my opinion.”

“It’s not a result of thoughtless agreement with your ideas.”

Shi Xing elaborated, “You know me; if I can have some power to protect myself and those around me without relying on others, I would certainly agree to that.”

Shi Xing truly was that kind of person, and Chi Yao nodded.

After hesitating for a while, Shi Xing boldly added, “Secondly, it’s my inner thought. If I can help you share burdens, I would unconditionally agree to that.”

The phrase “unconditionally” struck a chord with Chi Yao, as he stared intently at Shi Xing and asked, “Even if this road is very difficult?”

Shi Xing smiled brightly, “But the path of a Blue Star human is inherently not easy.”

His smile faded slightly, and he became serious, “Whatever rights come with enjoyment, that much responsibility must be borne. Your Highness, I understand that.”

Shi Xing’s voice was light, but it carried significant weight in Chi Yao’s heart.

This made Chi Yao get up and walk in front of Shi Xing, sharing an intense gaze with him. Shi Xing’s eyes were still bright, as if they contained light when looking at him.

Chi Yao’s lips curved into a smile, “Got it.”

He reached out to Shi Xing, their dry palms clasped together, silently intertwining, pulling Shi Xing up from the ground.

Shi Xing called Chi Yao again, hesitating, as if there was something left unsaid.

Chi Yao was not in a hurry and waited. After a while, Shi Xing seemed to finally summon the courage to suggest, “If I take military power, can I not completely give up the right to intervene in internal affairs?”

Chi Yao: “?”

Shi Xing said quietly, “Perhaps I can give it a try?”

Chi Yao chuckled, “Are you sure?”

The Elders Council was originally an entity to restrain the royal family; unless necessary, he didn’t want to touch them more. Moreover, after more than half a year of study, Shi Xing should also be very aware of how bothersome the Elders Council’s constraints on the royal family could be.

In this case, Chi Yao genuinely did not expect that he would still be willing to engage with them to strive for this.

Shi Xing boldly nodded, taking a very clever approach, “One can live without luxury, but one cannot avoid falling ill. Before mutated star beasts appeared, the medical care provided to Blue Star humans in the Twin Star Galaxy was not primarily to treat the damaged mental seas…”

There were indeed other issues with the mental sea, but modern medicine could resolve most of them.

However, it still wasn’t as effective as the Blue Star humans.

There still existed a small portion of bizarre conditions that could only be treated by Blue Star humans.

Shi Xing continued, “The medical resources of Blue Star humans are all allocated to the Empire’s officers. A few have had their issues with their mental seas resolved, so perhaps we can investigate this angle?”

Chi Yao did not deny this was a feasible angle.

However, he was curious, “Are you very interested in political power?”

Shi Xing paused for a moment, then, under Chi Yao’s gaze, slowly shook his head.

“Then why do you still want to try?”

Shi Xing lowered his eyelashes and, after a long time, suddenly said, “I feel that you find these matters troublesome.”

Chi Yao was taken aback.

Shi Xing added, “Not the actual government affairs, but the power struggles within the Empire.”

Chi Yao’s gaze glanced, looking closely at Shi Xing for a while, “Who told you this?”

Shi Xing replied, “No one said it; I observed it.”

Shi Xing counted with his fingers, “For example, the Elders Council, as long as it’s not a practical issue, you push them to the back. When you are busy, you won’t take calls related to them…”

“The Senate only picks up calls from the Speaker and the Vice Speaker. If there’s a quarrel, you let them hold an internal meeting first to come to results, then report back to you…”

“And there’s…”

Suddenly, Chi Yao grasped Shi Xing’s fingers, pressed down, and for the first time revealed his inclination towards politics, “No need to count; you’re not mistaken.”

Shi Xing’s sea-blue eyes gazed at him, filled with sincerity, “My demands aren’t high; I just think, if I could help you handle a few days of government affairs when your mental sea is in chaos, it would be fine if I can’t manage major events. As long as those bothersome and upsetting matters don’t disturb you when you’re unwell.”

“I never thought of completely depending on your wings, Your Highness.”

“More or less, there should always be something I can do…”

There was a hint of shyness in his words.

Chi Yao looked deeply into Shi Xing’s eyes, and after a while of this gaze, Shi Xing felt a bit embarrassed, worrying that he had said something wrong or doubting if Chi Yao would not believe this reason.

After a while, Shi Xing once again added under this gaze, “Your Highness, I am not lying…”

“I…”

He was already feeling quite overwhelmed by studying internal affairs. He genuinely had no thoughts related to wielding power.

However, the words did not continue because Chi Yao suddenly leaned in and gently embraced him.

At this abrupt hug, Shi Xing instantly stiffened.

Chi Yao’s chin affectionately rested against his forehead, and the breath while speaking brushed against his skin as he softly said, “Got it.”

After a pause, with certainty, he said, “Then let’s try together.”

Shi Xing was taken aback, then nodded vigorously with a brilliant smile, “Hmm!”