Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Adjustment

Previously, the Emperor and the military had brought healers from the Healing Center to Blue Star. Yet even those with S-level healing psychic abilities couldn't resonate with the unique magnetic field of Blue Star, as if they were entirely unaware of it.

This was why Lu Yinghuai hadn't paid particular attention to Xia You's condition. He hadn't expected that Xia You would resonate with Blue Star's magnetic field as soon as their spaceship entered its vicinity.

Because of this, Meng Wenxuan, along with the medical department researchers, had hardly taken their eyes off the psychic energy detector during Xia You's unconscious state.

But determining the cause of Xia You's unique psychic ability and whether it correlates to psychic disorders will take more time.

Healing psychic abilities are exempt?

Xia You realized something amiss, "Then me...?"

Lu Yinghuai tapped a few times on the instrument panel beside Xia You's bed, signaling him to look at the screen.

Xia You stared at the displayed psychic level of C+, particularly fixated on the plus symbol, with a face of disbelief.

Advancing in psychic abilities is challenging. If one could truly upgrade just by getting a fever and sleeping, Xia You felt he could happily bask in the glory of his home planet without a care.

Lu Yinghuai explained, "Every imperial citizen who resonates with Blue Star's magnetic field experiences a surge in psychic energy upon their first entry. The extent of this psychic advancement varies among individuals."

"Oh..." Xia You puffed out his cheeks.

Only once, huh.

He knew it was too good to be true.

"Did Your Highness also experience this phase when first entering Blue Star?" Xia You asked curiously.

To Lu Yinghuai, that memory wasn't particularly pleasant, but he still answered Xia You's question.

"I was unconscious for three months. When I woke up, my psychic power had advanced from SS to SS+."

Xia You's eyes widened, her blue irises as clear and mesmerizing as the ocean, "SS+?!"

Progressing from C to C+ is not uncommon; many achieve it through medication and training. But moving from SS to SS+? That's a monumental leap — Lu Yinghuai might just be the first in imperial history to possess such strength.

Wait a moment...

A possibility dawned on Xia You, and she bolted upright, clutching her blanket: "But your health condition…"

"It's deteriorated." Lu Yinghuai responded with a wry smile, his voice gentle yet heavy. "But, thankfully, the doctors at the medical department are very skilled."

That was perhaps the hardest ordeal Lu Yinghuai had ever faced.

During those three months of unconsciousness, with Lu Yinghuai in a delirious state, his psychic black panther couldn't stand the presence of others and escaped deep into the jungle, eluding all surveillance and disappearing without a trace.

Just when everyone believed Lu Yinghuai wouldn't return, it was the emperor who overruled objections and suppressed news from the military. Over a month later, they were greeted by the sight of a black panther with deep purple eyes emerging from the woods.

No one knows where the black panther went during those three months, nor how Lu Yinghuai managed to awaken after being instinctively driven by his psychic power to remain in the jungle for so long.

"So…"

Even though Lu Yinghuai had previously contained Xia You's psychic energy, it was once again breaking free, sensing the somber aura surrounding Lu Yinghuai.

Noticing Xia You's dispersed psychic energy, Lu Yinghuai formed a semi-circular barrier around her, gently yet authoritatively corralling the small tendrils of her psychic energy.

Unable to resist, Xia You playfully tapped Lu Yinghuai's psychic barrier with her psychic tendrils.

Lu Yinghuai: "…"

Barely maintaining his composure at the child-like gesture of a psychic knock, the marshal cleared his throat, bringing the conversation back on track: "Xia You, what I mean to say is, although you're awake, your resonance phase isn't over."

The instrument readings indicated that Xia You's psychic power was highly active and somewhat unruly, and based on its occasional desire to "run away" –

Lu Yinghuai sighed, speaking with grave seriousness, "Xia You, your physical constitution isn't suited to accommodate such a high level of psychic power."

A jolt went through Xia You, her fingers which were discreetly playing with the panther's paw now tightened instinctively.

The black panther's paw pad was squeezed, and its sharp claws reflexively sprang out.

The black panther let out a low growl.

Xia You quickly released the large panther and gently rubbed its head to soothe it.

Then, hesitatingly, Xia You turned his head, stealing a glance at the Marshal by the bed.

Lu Yinghuai was also looking at him, his aura subdued and serene.

After a long pause, Xia You mustered the courage to speak, "Your Highness, I actually have little desire for power or status."

A flicker in Lu Yinghuai's eyes.

Feeling his statement was unclear, Xia You added, "What I mean is, could the way you're raising me be... adjusted slightly?"

The young boy made a gesture with his hand, his eyes filled with hope.

Lu Yinghuai softened his voice, encouraging the youngster to share his genuine feelings, "It's natural. We lack time spent together and need more face-to-face communication."

"So, what kind of life does Xia You wish for?"

Xia You's eyes sparkled as he declared, "I want to be a 'salted fish'!"

Lu Yinghuai: "?"

Noticing Lu Yinghuai's puzzled look, Xia You hurriedly grabbed the big panther beside him, cheerfully suggesting, "You can treat me like Yuan Yuan!"

Lu Yinghuai's expression subtly changed, "Yuan Yuan…?"

"Yes!" Xia You nodded enthusiastically, trying to pitch his idea, "Your Highness, taking care of a 'salted fish' is quite easy!"

In truth, he didn't harbor ambitions for power or maintaining a high status; he simply desired a stable, secure place in the world.

He'd offer his psychic support to His Highness, and in return, all he wanted was to be treated as affectionately as Yuan Yuan — to be fed, watered, and given space to play!

Lu Yinghuai pondered for a while before nodding seriously, "I understand."

"However, for your well-being, once your fever subsides, you'll need to train under Wei Cheng. Is that acceptable?"

Xia You had long been discontented with his frail stature that tired out easily. Moreover, he needed to diligently elevate his psychic strength to effectively soothe His Highness, ensuring he could guiltlessly enjoy the care bestowed upon him.

With that thought, Xia You immediately responded loudly, "Yes, I can!"

……

Under Lu Yinghuai's psychic barrier, the once energetic Xia You quickly fell asleep again due to the consumption of his psychic energy, firmly clutching a robust black panther in his arms.

Observing Xia You's pallid complexion, Lu Yinghuai hesitated but ultimately decided not to allow his spirit form to leave the bed.

Exiting Xia You's room, Lu Yinghuai looked up to find the elderly butler, smiling in the middle of the corridor, an expression of mild exasperation on his face.

The butler, with his meticulously trimmed silver-white hair, bowed slightly to Lu Yinghuai, his smile benevolent, "Young Master, did the young sir express any requests?"

He had assumed that the usually reticent young master, who rarely shared his thoughts since childhood, would have made a casual remark. However, to his surprise—

Lu Yinghuai ran his fingers across his knee for a moment, then murmured, "Uncle Zhou, those books... the ones my sister used to teach me with, are they still around?"

The butler's eyes widened momentarily, but he quickly responded with the composure of a seasoned servant, "Of course."

Lu Yinghuai paused suspiciously for a while, then gently massaged his temple, head slightly bowed, and sighed, "Have them sent to my study."

The old butler blinked, "Are you certain?"

Considering the study's oppressive atmosphere with its tightly drawn curtains and pitch-black interior?

Would the young sir truly want to study in such an environment? It might only exacerbate any aversion to learning.

Lu Yinghuai: "..."

The Marshal suddenly realized that raising a young tutor was indeed not a simple task.

Lu Yinghuai closed his eyes and began maneuvering his wheelchair towards the study.

"On second thought, send them to the floral chamber."

The young boy likes roses; he should also appreciate the softness and sunlight of the floral chamber.