Chapter 58

Meng Wenxuan had been on standby to pilot the medical aircraft into the sanctuary ever since receiving Lu Yinghuai's order to prepare the isolation room.

All medics and marshal's personal guards remained on alert.

The marshal had suppressed his psychic energy for too long. This time, not only did his psychic energy clearly advance to level 3S, but he also extracted a vast amount of it before injecting the psychic-sealing drug.

With all these negative factors stacking up... the situation looked bleak.

The reason Meng Wenxuan gave that emergency communicator to Xia You was due to concerns that the marshal's psychic disturbance this time might surge in a manner even he wouldn't detect promptly.

But when Xia You's emergency communicator finally transmitted a signal, and the marshal's device remained unreachable, Meng Wenxuan realized that the situation he had always feared had indeed come to pass.

However, just as Meng Wenxuan was about to board the aircraft with his team, he was cheerfully halted by Uncle Zhou.

Meng Wenxuan: "Uncle Zhou, what's the meaning of this?"

To most, Uncle Zhou might merely seem like the steward of the marshal's mansion, but anyone in the know would never underestimate the housekeeper who raised two marshals of the Lu family.

Legend has it that he was taken in by the marshal's parents after they saved him under mysterious circumstances. After the untimely demise of the Lu couple, it was Uncle Zhou's swift decisions that protected both Lu Jiuzhu and the then-in-training Lu Yinghuai.

The kindly old steward, still impeccably groomed, met Meng Wenxuan's anxious gaze with a genial smile, "Doctor Meng, there's another guest we'd like you to take aboard."

Meng Wenxuan's heart skipped a beat.

The medical aircraft wasn't particularly large, merely a standard craft with two added medical chambers - albeit made with rarer materials and at a higher cost.

The medics from the medical department, along with the marshal's personal guards, were already a considerable number. Accounting for the companion beasts Xia You might bring, even Wei Cheng had been asked to stay behind.

Too many people could be problematic in an emergency.

Accommodating one extra might not be an issue, but where would it stop?

In a matter of seconds, several thoughts raced through Meng Wenxuan's mind. As he was about to decline, Uncle Zhou stepped aside, revealing a tall man who stepped out from behind a large aircraft, pausing at the hatch.

The moment Meng Wenxuan recognized the man's face, his expression twisted in shock.

The medics behind him were equally taken aback, their eyes wide.

Uncle Zhou said with a smile, "This is the husband of the Lu family's young miss. He's often abroad on business and seldom appears in the imperial capital."

"Please, Doctor Meng, do take care of him."

Meng Wenxuan: "..."

Are you listening to yourself? Is there anyone in the entire empire who wouldn't recognize this man's face?

Uncle Zhou added, "Although it's a short journey, there might be some turbulence. A larger aircraft would be more comfortable. Rest assured, this craft is equipped with top-notch medical chambers and a psychic energy isolation room. It meets all treatment requirements."

Meanwhile, the man bearing a striking resemblance to the Emperor, the son-in-law of the Lu family, gestured invitingly, his expression leaving no room for refusal.

Meng Wenxuan: "..."

So, are the military officials and senators, a bunch of old men, really not a match for His Majesty's strength?

Taking a deep breath and with no other options, Meng Wenxuan tried to maintain a composed expression. He boarded the aircraft, which unmistakably seemed of royal make, accompanied by a diverse group of medics and guards.

Guided by the emergency communicator's location, the aircraft arrived swiftly. Due to its emergency status, it hovered directly over the location from which Xia You sent the signal.

Meng Wenxuan, carrying his equipment, had barely alighted from the aircraft when, upon looking up, he was met with a wide-open, roaring maw.

Meng Wenxuan: "..."

Although he joined the army corps a while ago, he wasn't initially the head of the medical division, so he hadn't encountered the empress's companion beast.

Faced with this sudden confrontation, Meng Wenxuan, perennially ranked last in the annual military medical competitions, was utterly stunned.

"Good kitty, calm down..."

Suddenly, a hand reached out from beside the white tiger. Only then did Meng Wenxuan notice a lean young man standing behind the beast.

Xia You gently stroked the white tiger, soothing it with a soft voice, using a catnip ball combined with his psychic tentacles to gradually divert the tiger's attention.

He truly hadn't expected Meng Wenxuan to arrive so swiftly or for him to have the aircraft hover directly over the camp.

Fortunately, he had just completed the second psychic treatment on the white tiger.

The white tiger was indeed sensitive to beneficial treatments. Despite seeming a bit tired after the treatment, the tiger remained formidable, albeit relatively friendly towards Xia You.

While Xia You calmed the white tiger, trying to prevent it from aggressively driving away the intruders, he used his psychic tentacles to guide Meng Wenxuan to the tent.

Centering himself, Meng Wenxuan avoided further glances at the fierce animals in the camp and briskly stepped into the tent with his diagnostic equipment.

Xia You had left a psychic tendril with Lu Yinghuai earlier, so he could roughly "see" Meng Wenxuan's actions now.

He didn't interfere with Meng Wenxuan's expertise in the tent. Instead, he continually soothed the white tiger with his psychic tentacles. When the tiger licked the residue of catnip from his palm, Xia You refrained from offering more catnip balls.

However, each time the white tiger turned to leave, Xia You would extract a leaf or two from his spatial link, crushing them with his psychic tentacles to release the enticing aroma of catnip.

The big cat growled in clear displeasure but was oddly infatuated with the scent.

Yet, Xia You's complexion wasn't good at all — it was pale with beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Every time he administered mental healing to the White Tiger, it would nearly drain Xia You's mental reservoir. If he hadn’t deliberately reserved some energy, he wouldn't even be able to manifest his minor mental tendrils.

From a distance, the faint cry of a cub echoed, laden with traces of innocence and panic.

The White Tiger abruptly halted its actions, dashing in the direction of the cub's roar without a backward glance.

Xia You made no move to stop it. As he watched the retreating silhouette of the White Tiger and heard Meng Wenxuan calling for the medics and guards from within the tent, he lowered his eyes, retrieving a small box from his spatial node.

The dark-hued box was smooth to the touch, adorned with intricate carvings. Inside, a meticulous red velvet cushion cradled its contents.

Nestled within the velvet was a glowing high-tier energy stone.

This was the very gift Lu Yinghuai presented to Xia You on his birthday.

Upon receiving it, Xia You had lightly touched it with the tip of his finger, only to occasionally gaze upon it thereafter without making any physical contact, fearing that he would drain and shatter the stone.

High-tier energy stones, originating from the same energy veins as common ones, are like rare variants among the ordinary. Each one is precious, with colors varying in depth. The more lucid and pure the hue, the more refined the energy encapsulated within.

But now…

A dull ache throbbed at Xia You’s temples, a result of his overconsumption of mental energy.

He gazed intently at the blue energy stone inside the box. Meanwhile, a mental tendril reached out, touching the box's edge with a hint of reluctance.

The next moment, Xia You's tendril connected with the high-tier energy stone, rapidly absorbing its energy.

Xia You had never consumed such a refined energy stone before. He was unfamiliar with the sensation, but this stone provided him an unparalleled surge of energy.

If ordinary energy stones were likened to plain water, mild in taste, then the high-tier energy stone felt like effervescent water exploding upon entry – its potent, bubbly energy imposing its presence the moment it burst into Xia You's mental sea.

Xia You’s brows furrowed. As his mental tendril consumed the energy at an increasing rate, the unrestrained, unruly energy in his mental sea burgeoned. The boy’s once crystal-clear azure eyes deepened into a profound shade of blue, shimmering with an intensity that was almost blinding.

Atop the aircraft, the Emperor, after witnessing the White Tiger vanish into the forest, didn't immediately pursue but continually monitored Xia You's condition.

As the medics and guards prepared to move Lu Yinghuai, he sternly ordered, "Handle with care and do not approach within ten meters of Xia You."

With the absence of the companion beasts and Xia You engrossed in assimilating the energy stone, the medics and guards worked efficiently, swiftly packing the camp's belongings and the unconscious marshal onto the aircraft.

Meng Wenxuan prioritized taking Lu Yinghuai to the medical bay for a check-up. Zhou Shu glanced at the Emperor, who was engrossed in watching Xia You, then decided to head towards the cockpit.

As the tendril affectionately brushed the surface of the blue energy stone one last time, the gem, now devoid of its energy, cracked open with a soft snap. It quickly crumbled to dust, drifting with the wind, returning to the very land from which it had been mined.

Save for the single tendril he left beside Lu Yinghuai, Xiayu withdrew all his external psychic energies. The luminous tendrils intertwined, forming a protective barrier around his psychic sea, compressing inwards.

The energy within the high-grade energy stone was like a wild, untamed horse. Xiayu's tendrils, layer upon layer, wrapped around this horse. Without any intention to tame, they fiercely constricted the horse's throat, crushed its bones, and began a dominant and decisive energy consumption.

Xiayu leaned against a tree trunk, his head slightly bowed. His fingers gripped the coarse bark tightly, turning his knuckles white.

His eyes shone brightly, with a determination he had never shown before.

He had never consumed such a high-grade energy stone, but His Highness had once told him that these stones, despite their pure energy, were rarely consumed due to their distinct "temperaments". The best approach was to consume them gradually, in small doses.

One must never be swayed by the stone's inherent energy.

The corner of Xiayu's lips curled up, his eyes sparkling with defiance.

Though his psychic tendrils lacked a fluffy exterior, they represented his true self. Nothing could influence, disrupt, or change him.

Tame?

Too slow.

He didn't have that kind of time.

Even on the battlefield of his own psychic sea, Xiayu was fearless. When his tendrils struck with intent, they were terrifyingly ruthless.

Just like when Xiayu had first been reborn at the banquet, he instinctively made decisions that favored him.

In the fast-paced apocalyptic world, decisions often had to be made in the blink of an eye. This quick judgment was Xiayu's most valuable skill.

In the distance, the roars of two distinct tigers intertwined with the angered growl of a leopard.

Closer and closer.

The pace at which Xia You consumed energy became increasingly rapid.

As the young tiger emerged from the forest, disheveled and distressed, Xia You immediately enveloped it in a warm embrace.

"Spicy sticks are amazing!" Xia You commented, gently straightening the tousled fur of the young tiger with his fingers.

Spicy Stick hesitated for a moment, feeling that something about Xia You seemed different, but after scrutinizing him, couldn't quite place what had changed.

The panther and the white tiger soon tumbled out of the woods, entwined in combat.

The previously sleek fur of the panther was now muddied and covered in leaves and debris. It was evident that after the young tiger found the panther, it went to great lengths to provoke and chase the panther back to the camp.

The white tiger, upon seeing the panther's aggression towards Spicy Stick, didn't hesitate to retaliate. The maternal instinct knows no reason, and she immediately lunged at the panther, teeth bared and claws extended.

Lu Yinghuai, already in a state of psychic turmoil, had his emotions transmitted to the panther. The latter, already on edge, was provoked into anger, and thus, clashed with the evenly matched white tiger.

The two powerful beasts, in their vibrant hues, clashed furiously, with roars and growls echoing incessantly.

The mischievous young tiger, the instigator of it all, flicked its tail and gazed innocently at Xia You.

—— What now?

Xia You patted the young tiger's head, signaling it to stay behind.

The young tiger obediently moved behind Xia You, sitting down, both curious about Xia You's next move and intent on protecting him from harm.

Taking a deep breath, Xia You's eyes sharpened, and his psychic tentacles shot out.

The young tiger's eyes widened in shock.

One, two, three... twenty-four, twenty-five... thirty?

In a flash, Xia You's psychic tentacles multiplied, reaching out to the two powerful beasts with overwhelming force.

Both the panther and the white tiger swiftly dodged, evading the initial onslaught of the tentacles.

However, Xia You didn't focus on the white tiger. Instead, he directed all his psychic tentacles towards

Yuan Yuan's golden eyes spotted Xiayu from afar. As they narrowed, he made a dash towards the forest, but was swiftly encircled by Xiayu's multiplied tendrils, forming a vast net that trapped the panther.

The white tiger's pupils quivered and he visibly distanced himself from Xiayu.

The little tiger stared in shock at his uncle trapped in the psychic net, his tail frozen in mid-swing.

The panther too was stunned, his fur caught amongst Xiayu's tendrils. He scratched at the air in confusion, not knowing whether to resist or relent.

Regardless of the internal unrest and aggression, the panther always remembered: he must not harm the individual before him.

Xia You quickly noticed the black panther's hesitation. With a thought, he retracted the net made of psychic tendrils and tightly coiled them around the panther's limbs and belly, binding the majestic beast, leaving only its head exposed.

Black Panther: "..."

Approaching, Xia You wanted to stroke the panther's cheek to calm it. But recalling Lu Yinghuai's words, "I can feel it," he hesitated.

Although caught off-guard and securely tied, when Xia You reached out, the panther instinctively nudged its face closer for the touch.

Xia You pursed his lips, his gaze wavering.

Ahem... This is the one the Prince touched.

With so many witnesses aboard the aircraft...

The panther's calm lasted only briefly. Soon, it began growling and roaring as if compelled by something, its huge paws flashing with sharp claws, gouging the ground.

Xia You's psychic tendrils held fast to the panther, gradually infusing their power into its body.

Some tendrils combined to form the familiar one that usually clings to Lu Yinghuai, positioning itself atop the panther's head, gently rubbing its furry ears.

Embracing the panther's head, Xia You slowly caressed its fur, using his psychic energy to alleviate its pain.

The panther quieted considerably, but its golden eyes still held a tumultuous mixture of agitation and ferocity.

It was clear that if the panther were to be away from Xia You, it might attack anyone who came close, even aboard the aircraft.

After pondering for a while, and with some reluctance, Xia You conjured a muzzle with his psychic tendrils.

Just as he was about to fit the muzzle on the panther, the chaotic energy inside the beast seemed to sense something. With the pain intensifying, it erupted and the panther began to violently resist.

This time, not even for Xia You did the panther cooperate. Its head thrashed, it growled menacingly, and its sharp teeth grazed Xia You's hand several times.

Xia You narrowed his eyes and confidently slid his left hand into the wide-open mouth of the panther.

"Go on, bite."

The panther immediately froze, its eyes flickering with a battle between reluctance and struggle.

Seeing the effectiveness of his tactic, the small tendril that had been soothingly resting on the panther's head now swung down, landing entirely within the panther's mouth, with its tip even brushing against the panther's canine.

The panther stood there, mouth agape in confusion, not daring to close it.

Xia You spread his fingers and slowly helped the panther close its jaws.

The panther could only cautiously hold the psychic tendril within its mouth, not daring to exert any force, let alone roar.

"Yuan Yuan, my psychic tendril is fragile. If you bite through or injure it," Xia You gestured to his temple, emphasizing every word, "I'd turn into an idiot."

The golden animal eyes widened in alarm. As it tried to spit out the tendril, the cunning tendril seized the opportunity to further entrench itself within the panther's mouth.

Such audacity.

After a long silence, the panther willingly nudged its mouth towards the muzzle in Xia You's hand, its entire demeanor radiating defeat.

A gentle smile played on Xia You's lips as he fitted the muzzle onto the panther, and he affectionately patted its ear afterward.

Even though he often found himself teased and overwhelmed by the prince, when it came to Yuan Yuan, Xia You always had a strategy.

Not far away, the aircraft slowly lowered its gangway. At the boarding gate, Meng Wenxuan, who had just exited the medical bay, looked as though he was sleepwalking, watching the scene unfold.

Catching his gaze, Xia You waved and shouted, "Doctor Meng?"

As Meng Wenxuan was about to descend, he saw Xia You gesture for him to wait.

Meng Wenxuan: "What?"

The next moment, a tightly bound black panther was delicately hoisted into the aircraft. With spare energy, Xia You's psychic tendril gently set the majestic creature on the sofa.

Both Meng Wenxuan and the surrounding marshal's guards: "..."

They remained utterly still, not daring to move a muscle.

The panther, with its cold and wild gaze, looked around at the humans, heavily exhaled, and with its psychic tendrils and the slightly odd-looking muzzle in place, squeezed its massive frame onto a couch, turned its head away, and remained silent.

A self-imposed isolation.

After getting the panther aboard the aircraft, Xia You dusted off his hands and turned to look at Latiao (a nickname).

Watching his uncle being forcibly taken away, Latiao's ears twitched, and he stepped back, eyeing Xia You warily.

He didn't want to leave.

Xia You smiled, causing the little tiger's fur to bristle.

However, next, instead of attempting to kidnap Latiao, Xia You focused intently on rolling catnip balls.

One after another, from his current position, at almost equal distances, they were all placed leading up to the aircraft's gangway.

The little tiger wasn't interested in catnip. Xia You must have known that, so the only reason he would do this is—

Latiao's tail shot up, turning its gaze to the white tiger.

Sure enough, the white tiger, which had not really tasted the catnip balls before, hesitated visibly after catching the scent that had been luring it.

However, Xia You's earlier attempt to kidnap the black panther had clearly made the white tiger wary. With Xia You present, it wouldn't approach willingly.

Seeing this, the hope that had ignited in the little tiger dimmed once again.

Xia You approached the little tiger with light steps, turning his back to the aircraft. Shielding his actions with his body, he gently rubbed the imperial crown prince's ears, leaned in close, and whispered, "Good Latiao, sweet Latiao, will you cooperate with me?"

The little tiger looked confused and was about to ask what he meant when it was suddenly scooped up, its paws instantly off the ground.

Latiao: "!!"

After being trained and mentored by Lu Yinghuai for some time, Xia You's physical condition was far from the soft and weak healer he was at the start. Although he couldn't carry a full-grown big cat, he thought he might manage the slightly undersized little tiger in front of him.

But holding such a heavy load obscured his view and strained his arms. Deciding to go all in, Xia You hoisted the little tiger onto his shoulder, using his psychic tendrils to tie himself and Latiao together.

Latiao, now strapped to Xia You's shoulder: "?!?"

Perched on Xia You's shoulder, Latiao's claws tapped lightly on his back. Unable to free itself and soothed by the gentle aura of the psychic tendrils, the tiger nearly melted with relaxation.

Xia You, having secured the little tiger, stepped back a few paces, raising an eyebrow at the white tiger.

The white tiger, having witnessed Xia You's entire kidnapping act, growled lowly, its gaze at Xia You now filled with aggression.

Xia You summoned his last psychic tendril, reaching out to the nearest catnip ball to the white tiger. Lifting and cradling it, he waved it several times in the tiger's direction.

The white tiger, originally focused on the little tiger, was now drawn to the swaying catnip ball, its tail starting to sway involuntarily.

Xia You declared, "I'm taking your cub with me. If you don't come with me, sister, you'll have no psychic power, no catnip balls, and no cub in the future."

After finishing his words, Xia You even made a deliberate turn in place, showing the kidnapped little tiger to the white tiger from all angles.

The astute little tiger quickly grasped the situation and cooperated by lying on Xia You's shoulder. It meowed pitifully towards the white tiger with varied intonations, so exaggerated that Xia You almost felt like smacking it.

For a moment, everyone inside the aircraft looked elsewhere, at the sky, the ground, anywhere but the prince, who was meowing in an exaggerated manner.

The emperor, who initially had his fists clenched, twitched his brow, wearing an indescribable expression as he looked at his son.

But, to everyone's surprise, the white tiger was actually moved by this act. With each pitiful meow from Latiao, it began stepping towards Xia You.

Xia You, holding back his elation, slowly backed towards the gangway with the little tiger on his shoulder, while Latiao increased its pitiable cries.

The white tiger also approached the aircraft's gangway, but halted just as Xia You stepped onto it.

A weight dropped in Xia You's heart.

The aircraft was different from the camp. The camp was filled with familiar scents the white tiger knew. Though the camp was its territory, the aircraft was filled with unfamiliar humans and an instinctively unsettling metallic environment.

As expected, the white tiger began backing away, growling at the little tiger on Xia You's shoulder.

Xia You watched the white tiger, feeling the bitter taste of near success.

Had he been too naïve?

Thinking that the white tiger, freshly treated with psychic healing, might grow closer to him and be lured away by the dual temptations of the catnip balls and the little tiger.

Xia You stood still, while the white tiger halted about ten steps away.

Xia You knew this wasn't because the white tiger didn't want to retreat, but due to the psychic suppressor around its neck taking effect.

The other end of the range-bound suppressor was on the unconscious body of Lu Yinghuai.

Xia You gently placed the little tiger from his shoulder onto the ground, gave it a comforting rub, and jumped off the aircraft.

Latiao was about to jump after him but was abruptly pulled back by a hand reaching out from behind.

The little tiger turned, ready to bite, only to face the emotionless expression of its own father.

Its mouth, which was initially opened wide, slowly closed, and the entire tiger seemed to slump dejectedly.

Xia You disembarked from the aircraft, hesitating to recklessly approach the now distrusting white tiger. Instead, he gestured towards his own neck and softly said, “I’ll remove it for you.”

His psychic energy wasn’t strong enough to subdue the white tiger at this point, especially since the white tiger had no reservations against attacking him like Yuan Yuan did. If they were to actually fight, Xia You doubted he'd have the upper hand.

But if he couldn't take the white tiger with him, Xia You had to remove the psychic suppressor from its neck. Otherwise, it would severely hinder the white tiger's survival in the forest.

The white tiger seemed to understand, or perhaps it grasped the meaning behind Xia You's gesture, and it stood still.

Xia You approached and gently touched the suppressor around the white tiger's neck. It was of the same design as the one previously worn by the black panther. He input the password that Lu Yinghuai had shared with him and confirmed with his fingerprint.

Accompanied by a click, the collar of the suppressor loosened and separated from the white tiger’s fur.

Xia You lifted his hand, giving the white tiger’s fluffy cheek one last touch, leaving the last bit of his psychic energy inside it, molded into a small ball.

“I will come back for you.”

Xia You met the white tiger's gaze and spoke with conviction and sincerity.

After saying this, Xia You resolutely turned and headed back to the aircraft. Casting one last glance at the white tiger in the forest camp, who was now munching on the catnip balls, he bit his lower lip in frustration and looked away.

The gangway started retracting, and just as Xia You was about to head inside the aircraft, a sudden outcry echoed from behind.

Xia You instinctively turned around, feeling a gust of wind rush past him. What followed was a familiar sensation of bristly fur brushing against his arm.

After devouring all the catnip balls Xia You had left behind, the robust white tiger, without any guidance, sprinted straight into the aircraft that was preparing to take off.

Sharp claws scratched the interior, producing a screeching sound.

Xia You looked back in astonishment.

In the center of the aircraft, sprawled on a sofa, was a black panther, tied up tightly. The sulking panther's tail drooped, and its head was turned away, silent.

Not far from the sofa on the carpet, a large black-and-white feline sat, which seemed to have had a sudden change of heart. Beneath it, another orange-black bundle was squished.

Latiao struggled for breath, attempting to poke its head out, but the white tiger playfully swatted it back.

Eventually, the little tiger managed to peek out from beneath the white tiger's paws, then lay still.

Every so often, it would emit a silly chuckling sound.

Xia You: “...What?”

Though the abduction was riddled with unexpected incidents, the outcome was undeniably successful.

A burst of joy made Xia You's heart leap internally. He managed to maintain a composed facade, turning around to suggest, “Let’s head back.”

Having been through so much on this journey, Meng Wenxuan, a tad slow to respond, uttered, "...Alright."

Now accommodating two tigers and a panther, the fully loaded aircraft finally lifted off, heading towards the Blue Star Base.

Meng Wenxuan finally initiated communication with the base, updating them on the aircraft’s situation and advising them to make preparations.

Uncle Zhou in the cockpit, with a gleeful expression, backed up the video from the aircraft's automatic recording system, and then promptly deleted the onboard footage.

Xia You touched his throbbing temple, anticipating a challenging night ahead. Just as he was about to check on Yuan Yuan, a sudden gentle pinch on his little psychic tendril caught him off guard.

Xia You: “!”

This familiar sensation...could it be the Highness?!

Simultaneously, blue warning lights illuminated the interior of the aircraft.

Meng Wenxuan, though taken aback, without hesitation darted towards the medical bay.

Lu Yinghuai had awakened.