ABRIWMTHM Chapter 89

“Your mental power can go deeper, try again…”

“Stop for a moment, let me feel it.”

In the energy shielding room, Er Ya said.

Sitting across from her were Shi Xing and Chi Yao.

The three of them sat on the ground, each in their own corner.

Recently, the opening of medical resources has been going smoothly. Shi Xing has shouldered some of the pressure, reducing Chi Yao’s burden. With the presence of capable civilian officials like Ren Yan Yong, Wei Zhen, and Wei Wan, Chi Yao can finally take a breather mentally. In other words, the administrative affairs have briefly returned to normal, allowing for a balanced workload.

During this break, Er Ya seized the opportunity to use Shi Xing’s abilities for her understanding.

“Can you go any deeper?”

Confirming her perception, Er Ya was referring to mental power.

Shi Xing: “Yes.”

“Then continue.”

Along with Er Ya’s mental power, Shi Xing pushed his mental power inward further.

When leaving the Northern Territory, Shi Xing’s mental power could completely penetrate Chi Yao’s outer layer of mental sea. After returning to the Imperial Capital, Shi Xing had no fresh beast cores and relied solely on Campbell’s red ore and the beast cores given by Chang Quan and the officers for energy replenishment. However, being in his maturity period, even without particularly high-tier energy supply, it doesn’t hinder the normal growth of his mental sea.

The only difference was that the growth rate might not be as fast as continuously absorbing fresh beast cores.

Thus, unwittingly, today Er Ya specifically pointed this out, and he tried to discover that his mental power level had already grown enough to enter Chi Yao’s middle layer of mental sea.

Regarding the depth he could reach, Shi Xing felt a bit nervous yet oddly expectant.

With a higher mental power level, the mental threads in Chi Yao’s middle layer were denser, making it more challenging and consuming for Shi Xing during the process of entering.

“Can you go deeper?”

Noticing Shi Xing stop, Er Ya asked.

Shi Xing tried again and shook his head, “I can’t anymore.”

He was somewhat alarmed, “I don’t have much mental power left; I can’t maintain the intensity to go further.”

Er Ya understood, “So, if you still had mental power, you could continue.”

Shi Xing thought for a moment, “I should be able to.” After a pause, he added honestly, “But I feel that even if I had more mental power, I wouldn’t be able to go much deeper.”

Er Ya made a note, “Halfway into the middle area of the Crown Prince’s mental sea.”

Shi Xing was surprised, “Have I already reached halfway?”

In the past, it was always Chi Yao who told him the depth. Shi Xing still remembered that he needed to split the outer layer of Chi Yao’s mental sea into three times to cover it completely, and he thought entering the middle layer would be more difficult this time. Unexpectedly…

Er Ya: “You’ve reached.”

Er Ya: “Don’t doubt yourself; your level is very high. Even if the speed of expansion slows down after returning to the Imperial Capital, the dense rebirth of the expanded threads in your mental sea can still significantly enhance your level. Plus, it’s been quite some time; it’s about right.”

Er Ya: “However, I noticed that you seem to be using your own level and mental power all along.”

Er Ya: “Haven’t you tried using the contract to sweep through the Crown Prince’s mental sea?”

Shi Xing was taken aback, “C-can I?”

Er Ya glanced at Chi Yao thoughtfully, who remained silent. Then she looked back at Shi Xing and affirmed, “You can.”

“I’ll teach you.”

A few minutes later, Shi Xing recalled the sensation of forcibly probing Chi Yao’s mental sea from their way back to the Imperial Capital.

Following Er Ya’s guidance and experience, he no longer faced strong pressure from the level difference—the contract protected him.

As Shi Xing became proficient, Er Ya said, “Let’s all take a break.”

As they gradually stood up, Yan Changyue, who had been waiting outside, brought in a prepared fruit platter.

While munching on the crystal fruit, Shi Xing listened to Er Ya’s summary of the observations from today.

“Your ability is improving quickly. Once the diplomatic affairs with the Alliance are over, there shouldn’t be any delays. We need to find you fresh beast cores.”

“The Crown Prince is still in a disordered period. Once he finishes, I’ll teach you some healing methods, and we can continue to try.”

“If I’m not mistaken, there are areas that I can’t treat, you can.”

“The Crown Prince’s high level of mental power can lead to a sense of struggle during treatment, which isn’t a bad thing. It will stimulate your ability to grow.”

“Oh, right, I’ll also teach you the combat methods for absorbing energy later; you just need to see if you can learn it.”

After a brief pause, she gave a final summary.

“Recently, just focus on normally absorbing energy and practicing; we can discuss the rest later.”

Shi Xing nodded, having already eaten one crystal fruit.

As he rummaged through the platter, Er Ya, who spent more time with Shi Xing recently, knew what he was looking for and said, “You probably want a change of taste. I didn’t bring what you like today; if you want some, go find Yan Changyue. We’re done here too.”

After Shi Xing left, Er Ya turned her attention back to Chi Yao.

Noticing her gaze, Chi Yao seemed to guess what she wanted to ask. Before she could speak, he answered first, “At the beginning, his mental power level was still low. I didn’t want him to see the real state of my mental sea before he became more powerful. I was afraid it would put too much pressure on him.”

Er Ya had wanted to ask why Shi Xing didn’t use the contract since the method of looking over Chi Yao’s mental sea with the aid of the contract was taught to her by Chi Yao himself.

Er Ya raised an eyebrow, understanding without saying anything.

Moments later, she stood up, preparing to leave.

Chi Yao: “Won’t you ask a few more questions?”

Er Ya turned her back to Chi Yao and waved her hand casually, saying, “Sorry, I’m not interested in the emotional entanglements between couples.”

Chi Yao shook his head, smiling wryly.

Not long after, Shi Xing returned, puzzled, “Where’s Sister Er Ya?”

Upon hearing that Er Ya had left, Shi Xing wasn’t surprised. With an innocent smile, he handed the crystal fruits he brought to Chi Yao, saying, “Your Highness, try this; it’s particularly sweet, the best I picked.”

Under Shi Xing’s urging, Chi Yao took a bite, “Not bad.”

Shi Xing’s smile widened, “Hehe, I told you, it smells really nice!”

His radiant smile and carefree demeanor made Chi Yao unable to resist pinching the young boy’s cheek, which was soft.

Regarding the energy diplomatic talks, after internal discussions, the Empire took the lead and temporarily halted the negotiations.

The reason was quite valid; the Empire hadn’t decided yet, and with both sides completely failing to reach an agreement, if the Alliance wasn’t prepared to compromise, then further discussions would yield no results, so it was better to wait.

As they were leaving, the Empire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs added a remark that would infuriate the diplomats, saying that anyway, Chi Yao and Shi Xing didn’t have the time.

As for why they didn’t have time, the uproar surrounding the opening of medical resources was already well-known to the Alliance diplomats.

How outrageous! They argued every day internally, and the Empire even made sarcastic remarks! It was too much!!

However, this was just the beginning.

Shi Xing ignored the Alliance’s private diplomatic letters regarding resource planets and instead discussed with Chi Yao to have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs investigate the situation of resource planets outside the Alliance.

Over time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received several special diplomatic letters from planets in nearby star systems.

Two from neighboring stars, and one from a star further out, all seeking medical assistance.

Moreover, to win over the Empire, they attached details and photographs of the patients.

With repeated checks and confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was established that one of the planets was a resource planet with a rich variety of minerals and a high level of extraction. Shi Xing happily allowed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage in friendly communication with this planet.

The other planet in the further star system was not a resource planet, but undoubtedly a rich one. The key point was that it had a very special case; the difference in mental power levels between Shi Xing and the patient was relatively high. After discussing with Er Ya, the Empire actively extended an invitation to this planet.

Shi Xing: “If we can treat this, it should be a case that proves the level of the Empire’s therapists. It can be promoted externally and raise the price of subsequent medical qualifications. Let’s give it a try.”

Fei Chu: “They aren’t energy planets, so how will payments be made then?”

Shi Xing blinked and provided the obvious answer, “With crystal coins. Can’t we use crystal coins to directly buy crystals and mining materials from this star system?”

Fei Chu fell silent.

Oh, after selling medical qualifications for energy planets so much, he completely forgot that accepting payment in crystal coins was the fastest and most reasonable method.

With crystal coins in hand, what can’t be bought? Weren’t the Empire’s crystals and mining materials from previous years bought with crystal coins?!

Fei Chu slowly gave Shi Xing a thumbs up.

The treatment progress for the 30 slots was faster than Shi Xing had estimated. Most native illnesses weren’t difficult to treat, but some challenging illnesses recur after treatment, like Shu Ning, requiring multiple follow-ups.

In light of this, the capitalist-minded Shi Xing determined the number of follow-up visits for one slot at a suitable number of three, which wouldn’t place too much burden on the therapists, nor would it appear too unprofitable for a single treatment slot for such illnesses. This approach demonstrates the humanity of the Empire’s medical service while also providing a selling point to attract more buyers.

Ten S-level therapists were transferred back to the Imperial Capital from the six major legions, and all thirty slots were completed within a week and a half.

During each treatment, Shi Xing observed the patients and found that their mental power levels were generally not high. Compared to treating the high-ranking officials of the Empire, the therapists found it easier to treat the patients.

After all, most patients didn’t have residual mental power from star beasts in their mental seas; they simply needed medical assistance.

The connections with the two planets from the foreign star system went very smoothly.

Upon receiving notification, the resource planet sent a mother ship to pick up. Meanwhile, they also received the Empire’s hints of energy demands; one main ship followed by five similarly sized subships were filled with the crystals and minerals produced by their planet.

Not only did Shi Xing’s eyes widen, but on the first day of negotiations, Chi Yao also thought it might be time to change their mindset, saying, “Perhaps we can solve the crystal and mineral issues in the outer systems without relying on the Alliance; it’s just that transportation would be a hassle and cost more.”

Shi Xing: “If the Alliance really can’t reach an agreement, this wouldn’t be a bad solution.”

As for the crystals and minerals from their own star system, the convenience of transportation was one aspect; the other aspect was that it would be more suitable for warships since the Empire’s weapon systems were developed based on them as power sources.

Using crystals and minerals from outer star systems would come with hidden costs due to their different properties and unpredictable compatibility.

This proposal was even agreed upon by Ren Yan Yong.

Joyfully and without reservation, the Empire accepted several subships of crystals. After receiving their guests in the palace and providing treatment, the Empire signed a tentative energy purchase agreement with the resource planet in the outer star, arranging an exchange for medical qualifications at relatively low-priced crystal contracts.

Adding everything up, the resource planet would not lose, and the Empire would profit, a win-win situation.

All this undoubtedly stimulated the sensitive and fragile nerves of the Alliance.

With the arrival of another high-ranking planet from the foreign star system, after Shi Xing successfully treated a tricky and not rare inherited disease from the original mental sea, all the star systems observing the situation within the Empire couldn’t sit still any longer.

As the Empire and the resource planet not affiliated with the Alliance signed another energy purchase agreement, the Alliance exploded completely.

And the last straw that broke the Alliance’s back might be that the Empire’s medical qualification waitlist had filled up; what they were currently selling were not immediately accessible medical slots but pre-sold qualifications.

It was said that the pre-sold numbers extended to six months later.

The resource planets within the Alliance could no longer sit still.

On an unremarkable afternoon, Li Yu opened the virtual projection interface, and the arguments hit him in the face.

Although the internal quarrels within the Alliance had been ongoing, today’s chaos was something Li Yu had never seen before.

The representative from Tianyuan Star called out, “Everyone can’t hold on any longer, the Empire’s actions are aimed at…”

The representative from Fernand Star, one of the founding six planets and currently the largest resource planet in the Alliance, immediately retorted, “What’s the point in waiting? Don’t you see how many contracts the Empire has signed? After signing a few more, they won’t need the Alliance’s energy anymore.”

The representative from Fernand Star was distressed, “Moreover, several leaders and their families from our planet urgently need medical resources. Now the waitlist has reached six months later, and among the several star systems we know, only the Blue Star humans have healing abilities. Can the prices really go lower? Even the most remote planets in the Twin Star Galaxy are sending diplomatic letters to the Empire!!”

One representative from Hani Star, a planet focused on entertainment and wealthy enough, said, “Our president is getting old, and the injuries from the beast tide can’t be delayed any longer. Yesterday, citizens from the entire planet already started a petition online; it’s going to be very challenging for Hani Star to persist.”

Meanwhile, a representative from a medium-sized resource planet, who had been the leader of recent conflicts between resource and the six Alliance planets, could not take it anymore, “Can we talk about practical matters? The Empire doesn’t even acknowledge private communications from the Alliance planets! The hereditary disease problems of our royal families are severe. Can the Alliance come up with a solution? When we joined the Alliance, it wasn’t so that the Alliance could use us!”

As he spoke, several resource planets echoed, “Exactly! Now the wait has reached six months; our planet can’t wait.”

“Our planet’s marshal can’t wait either.”

“Our leader’s condition is critical, and the issues with his mental sea torment him and his family constantly. When we get sick, we need to see a doctor.”

“Exactly! Provide a solution; stop talking nonsense here.”

“It’s been half a month, and medical qualifications are rising in price every day. What has the Alliance done? Are we just being gathered to receive empty promises?”

The Tianyuan Star representative became angry, “Silence! What are you making a fuss about?”

The resource planet representatives: “We are not making a fuss; we are giving the Alliance an ultimatum.”

The Tianyuan Star representative felt a jolt in their heart, looking at the group of resource planet representatives stirring trouble, “What do you mean?”

Representatives from resource planets: “The meaning is simple: if the Alliance cannot provide a solution, we will withdraw from the Alliance and find our own ways!”

Afterward, resource representatives echoed, “Yes! What benefits have we enjoyed since joining the Alliance? If not, it’s fine; our planet is far from the main body of the Alliance anyway.”

“The Alliance is mainly governed by the six major planets, if they can’t solve problems despite benefitting, why should we face rising prices for crystals and minerals? What we need now are different things.”

“We didn’t join with any political ambitions. If it doesn’t work out, then let’s part ways amicably.”

Their words were heavy, startling the six major planets into silence.

All the shouting vanished that day, evaporating into several joint communications regarding petitions to withdraw from the Alliance from resource planets.

In such a destructive situation, the prices of crystals in the Alliance certainly dropped.

They dropped, and the reservation numbers rolled back to a year later.

Shi Xing proposed that if resource planets signed contracts in the name of the planet, rather than in the name of the Alliance, they could add two more slots by increasing the number of therapists in the near future.

Once this proposal was put forth, all resource planets returned and revised the contracts, inciting a collective fainting spell among the six major planets.

Among the six major planets, two resource planets showed interest; they were close to the Empire, yet due to their stance, they found it unsuitable to sign such individual contracts. After consulting with the Empire, they listened to its advice and secretly added some additional favorable terms. The Empire also discreetly added two slots for these two planets.

Upon learning about this, the Prime Minister from Tianyuan Star was directly infuriated to the point of illness.

Jane Miller no longer knew which backward planet he had been exiled to for retirement. The few surviving diplomats, Marshal Weir and General Li Yu, had to take the opportunity to visit him to console the Prime Minister.

They reassured him that the energy discussions would soon transition to border issues. The Empire would not abandon the border, and later on, the Alliance would find a way to hold the Empire accountable.

The idea was good, and they also discussed a series of viable measures.

However, on the first day of the meeting, the entire Alliance was left stunned.

On this day, Chi Yao attended with Shi Xing, decisively announcing a decision from the Empire.

Chi Yao: “Back when the border was established, there was a flood of star beasts leading a beast tide, and due to the Empire’s military strength, we made some concessions and sacrifices, agreeing to guard the longest section of the border.”

“However, we also verbally agreed with the Alliance that once stability returned to the galaxy, the Empire’s guarded border would shrink to the following range.”

The Empire’s foreign diplomats projected the pre-prepared diagram of the new guarded border.

Weir and Miller were in shock; the Empire had directly halved the area they were responsible for guarding!

Half! A complete half!!

Chi Yao: “The aforementioned decision is not negotiable; it is an official notification from the Empire.”

“It should have been implemented at the start of my reign.”

“But due to various reasons, it has been postponed for thirty years.”

“The Empire’s seven major legions have invested significant effort in guarding the border for years, and many excellent soldiers have suffered casualties. It is time for them to rest and recuperate.”

The significant premise behind convincing the S-level therapists to agree to open medical resources was the promise that the Empire would soon reduce the border to half.

Only when the Empire’s therapists’ burdens from treating their country’s legion were relieved, and the chances of their families getting hurt reduced, could they gather the energy and morale to open up their medical resources externally.

Otherwise, under such intense treatment pressure, opening up would be mere talk.

This was also the reason why Chi Yao was unwilling to negotiate energy issues with the Alliance at the cost of extending the border.

He had long decided that the border would inevitably shrink, but because of the Empire’s energy demands, they couldn’t easily release this decision until their energy supply was secured, fearing uncontrollable variables.

But with the energy issues resolved, it was time to announce it.

The chief diplomat of the Alliance was shocked.

Weir and Li Yu exchanged glances, both dazed.

After the shock came anger.

Immediately standing up, they confirmed, “May I ask the Empire, what do you mean by ‘not a negotiation, but a notification?'”

Chi Yao: “It means the Empire will not change this decision.”

“Whether the Alliance supports or opposes it.”

“As for the Empire, next month we will shorten the stationed border to the length agreed upon verbally.”

The chief diplomat slammed the table in anger, “The Empire is going its own way. Are you not afraid of the Alliance breaching the energy contract?”

Chi Yao remained silent, and Shi Xing stood up.

Perhaps influenced by Shi Xing’s influence, or perhaps due to the indelible memory Shi Xing left on all the diplomats.

The moment they saw him stand, a hum began to resonate in everyone’s heads.

Clearing his throat, Shi Xing spoke leisurely, “It’s entirely possible for the Alliance to breach the contract in the name of the Alliance. However, a contract signed in the name of the planet should still depend on the wishes of each planet. The Alliance is merely an economic alliance; it cannot politically force independent sovereign planets, can it?”

At that moment, all the diplomats finally understood why the Empire wanted resource planets to sign contracts in the name of the planet!

They understood, nearly spitting out old blood.

Shi Xing: “As for the contracts signed in the name of the Alliance, we need to clarify a few points regarding the breach.”

“First, all advance payments for medical slots will not be refunded, regardless of whether they were paid in crystal coins or in the form of crystals and mining materials; it’s the same.”

And this was a substantial amount of crystals and minerals.

Moreover, under the Empire’s urgency, all those payments had already arrived and been moved into the Empire’s treasury.

“Second, once the breach occurs, all subsequent medical resources from the Empire will, under any conditions, not be opened to the planets that breach the contract.”

In other words, once they breached the contract, they should not hope for any medical resources from the Empire.

People might not need luxury items, but who could guarantee they wouldn’t fall ill?

When illness occurs, one must see a doctor. Yet some medical assistance targeting the mental sea could only be provided by the Empire.

As the Empire actively closed this door, all the planets had to weigh the conditions and costs of breaching the contract, determining whether they could bear it.

Looking at the stiff-faced diplomats, Shi Xing smiled.

“Did everyone hear clearly?”

“If you did, the Empire welcomes any planet that wishes to breach the contract to terminate it at any time.”

“Oh, right.”

Thinking of something, Shi Xing adjusted his direction, facing the camera while smiling again.

This segment of speech would be released shortly on the star network as an important video regarding the Empire’s border reduction.

Shi Xing’s smile was sincere, “Once the medical qualifications become available due to breaches, the sequence numbers and appointment times will be published on the official website. We welcome planets that have needs and capabilities to make secondary purchases.”