Chapter 91

Just as Xia You's battleship left the Blue Star, a slightly disheveled Wei Cheng strode into the Marshal's mansion.

"Uncle Zhou, there's an issue with the information from the trading platform. Sen Qiu and Yin Wei might be compromised!"

After Wei Cheng spoke urgently, he saw Uncle Zhou just chuckling, while casually handing him a cup of water.

Wei Cheng: "…?"

Uncle Zhou smiled, "Don’t worry. Xia You has taken a lot with her. She'll be alright."

Wei Cheng, puzzled, "It’s not about how many people or things she took, it's that something might have gone wrong there – Uncle Zhou, you knew?"

As he continued, Wei Cheng's voice rose in pitch, spilling much of the water from his cup.

Realization dawned on Wei Cheng, "Was it you who locked me in the office? No, you don’t have the authority... The Marshal knew too?"

The elderly butler winked, with a playful tiger gesture with one hand, and turned towards the garden's swimming pool.

"Miss, young master Sun, the sun is shining beautifully today. How about a dip in the pool?"

"Uncle Zhou—!!!"

***

The galaxy in which the Trading Planet is located had an infamous name many years ago.

The Wanderer Galaxy.

Back then, the Dark Web took root here, spinning a vast invisible web over the years, turning it into a shadowy place devoid of law and morality, driven purely by trade.

However, this stretch of the cosmos wasn’t always shrouded in darkness. Fortunately, it's now slowly reclaiming its lost light.

After the operation to dismantle the Dark Web, the Empire sent forces to cleanse the Wanderer Galaxy and established a protocol to rotate its supervisory team every five years.

Black markets, trading arenas, and mercenaries can never be completely eradicated. Keeping them semi-exposed is far more controllable than forcing them underground for covert dealings.

Xia You leaned against the side window of her battleship, gazing at the stunning and dreamlike galaxy outside. Reflecting on the window’s surface, she also saw the ring of mercenaries seated within the ship.

Thirty-seven.

Not a huge number, but not a small one either. To Uncle Zhou, this seemed just about right. Almost all the active mercenaries, not deeply tied to the Trading Planet, were now here.

Combined, their combat prowess could rival Marshal Lu Yinghuai's personal guard.

While Lu Yinghuai's guards were well-coordinated and trained, these mercenaries were wild, fearless, and reckless. Compared to traders, their methods are dirtier, more ruthless, and more brutal.

The head of a leopard emerged in front of Xia You, its ears flicking back momentarily before perking up, looking where Xia You's gaze rested.

Xia You’s chin rested on the leopard's head.

She looked once, then looked again.

Clearly, compared to the well-dressed, all-capable, benevolent old butler at home, these uniquely styled, unrestrained individuals more closely matched her image of mercenaries.

The mercenaries had been observing Xia You the entire time.

While the job description did merely state escorting a young master around the Trading Planet, and the pay was very generous, not every mercenary is keen on working with so many peers.

Their primary incentive for taking the job was the legendary mercenary, Golden Eagle's virtual account being the mission's issuer.

Lately, this stirred up quite the commotion within their circles. Those who landed the job had to clash with many peers to secure it.

However, after setting off, a few well-informed among them received updates about the turbulence in the Trading Planet. Through occasional subtle glances, none chose to inform Xia You of this development.

Everyone was speculating.

——If something happens to the young master... would the Golden Eagle make an appearance?

At that moment, a young man in combat gear swiftly approached Xia You, his face painted with urgency and his eyes resolute.

“Lord... young master, please order the battleship to return!” Sen Shi pleaded.

Sen Shi, serving as the liaison for this mission and the only one aware of Xia You's true identity, bore a greater weight on his shoulders than anyone else.

He was undoubtedly aware of the situation on the Trading Planet. Precisely because of this knowledge, he had frequently tried to contact Xia You at the Blue Star Base, even causing his companion beast to be suspended from a tree for trying to trespass into the marshal's residence.

Logic told Sen Shi that the Empire wouldn't allow someone as crucial as Xia You to journey to the Wanderer Galaxy for personal matters, but his emotional bond compelled him to act.

And now, with Xia You actually in the Wanderer Galaxy for other reasons, Sen Shi felt torn.

He was raised by his brother and sister-in-law, but was sent away from the Wanderer Galaxy for schooling and eventually settled in the Imperial Star.

Sen Shi had the finest training and environment, a prestigious status, and joined the coveted First Legion at a young age. Even those aware of his origins couldn't detect any traces of the Wanderer Galaxy in him.

While Sen Qiu and Yin Wei were entrenched in the shadows, they protected Sen Shi from the very beginning, ensuring he was safely sent out of this galaxy.

Sen Shi was an Imperial soldier, a member of the First Legion. He was loyal to the Empire, but he deeply cherished and loved his family.

He understood the significance of Xia You. If something were to happen to her in the Wanderer Galaxy...

Throughout the battleship's journey, every passing moment felt like an eternity of torture for Sen Shi.

After Sen Shi voiced his plea, all eyes within the battleship turned to him.

A little black furball lay on Xia You’s lap. Her delicate, pale fingers gently caressed its fur. She looked calm, signaling Sen Shi with her eyes to continue.

Sen Shi couldn't gauge Xia You's intentions, feeling that the rumored "naïve and amiable" image of her at the base didn't match up. But with the battleship nearing the Trading Planet, he had to persuade her to turn back.

“Two-thirds of the trades on this planet are controlled by the "Rán Zhū", with the remainder being free trades. As the principal trading entity, the "Rán Zhū" only oversees escrowed trades, managing any issues that arise.”

“Four months ago, the "Rán Zhū" leader, Sen Qiu, was maliciously drugged, causing a severe mental disturbance that led to him losing his sanity and his companion beast going berserk.”

“The other leader, Yin Wei, rushed back from another star system in time but was helpless regarding Sen Qiu's condition and had to temporarily take over the "Rán Zhū" trade operations.”

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Sen Shi continued, trying to narrate the internal chaos of the Trading Planet from an objective viewpoint.

"The mastermind behind all of this is the 'Spider's' second-in-command, Old Zheng."

"He teamed up with the remaining lesser leaders of the 'Spider' to incite internal chaos within the trading arena. However, Yin Wei, who had always been passive, suppressed them with a forceful move."

"In his haste, Old Zheng fled the core base of the trading arena, collaborating with others and hired mercenaries to cut off all of the 'Spider's' external communications and activated a barrier shield, trying to trap and force Yin Wei into relinquishing his power."

"So, the trading planet is currently in the final stages of internal strife. Old Zheng won't allow anyone else to enter."

As Sen Shi spoke up to this point, a hint of bitterness flashed across his face.

"Especially not me."

Xia You silently listened to Sen Shi's account, continuously stroking the back of the small black panther but didn't respond to Sen Shi's plea to turn back. Instead, he asked softly, "What about the Imperial Inspection Team?"

"If Sen Qiu and Yin Wei are on good terms with the Empire, seeking help from the Inspection Team in the Wanderer's Galaxy shouldn't be too hard."

Sen Shi's lips quivered slightly before muttering, "The original trading agreement was signed by the 'Spider'. Old Zheng has publicly declared that if he were to become the main figurehead of the 'Spider' in the future, it would still remain as the 'Spider'."

"For the Empire, curbing the growth of the 'Spider' might not be a bad thing. The Inspection Team might side with Sen Qiu and Yin Wei or perhaps with Old Zheng. Of course, the Empire might prefer a scenario where both parties are harmed."

"Hence, the Inspection Team has been in a wait-and-see stance, having no reason or obligation to intervene and stop this strife prematurely."

"Hmm," Xia You hummed, pinching the paw pads of Lu Ying Huai.

The small black lump looked just like a real pet in Xia You's embrace; apart from not making a sound, its shiny coat and adorable appearance resembled the kind loved by the nobility.

Without getting any clear indication from Xia You, and after glancing at the location displayed on the light-computer, Sen Shi couldn't help but speak up, "Young Master, if we proceed any further, we'll enter the outer perimeter of the planet. Old Zheng will detect us immediately."

"Then let him detect us," Xia You chuckled. "I came for the trading arena. I won't budge until I get what I want."

Sen Shi paused momentarily.

The mercenaries who had been silently listening exchanged glances.

One of them, looking like a young teenager, had a scar running from his forehead to his jaw on his right cheek. Even though it could've been treated and the scar removed, he allowed the scar to remain.

He whistled towards Xia You playfully, "Young Master, the job I took on was for protection. If it's about risking our lives, the price will differ."

Xia You slightly tilted his head, his smile not reaching his eyes, and asked gently, "So, gentlemen, are you asking for a raise or intending to breach the contract?"

"How do you calculate the extra charge, and how do you mention the breach of contract?" Another man with a hefty build asked in a deep voice.

"As for the extra charge, no worries. I can afford it," he boasted.

Xia You smiled, yet her tone remained nonchalant.

"However, if there's a breach of contract, that could get complicated."

Xia You tapped a few times on the holographic computer. Within moments, vents clicked open inside the battleship, and an energy shield enveloped her. By her side appeared a control panel for the energy shield.

Everyone's expression shifted instantaneously. Many had already drawn their weapons as they stood up.

Xia You's hand was pinned beneath a small leopard's belly. Her initially cold fingertips warmed up. Without any change in expression, she calmly said, "This battleship has some harmless gadgets installed. As you all know, whenever this young master leaves home, my family ensures I'm well-prepared."

"MP-X3, I believe you all know what it is, without me explaining."

The MP series refers to banned drugs. X1 to X12 specifically relate to drugs that can induce psychic disorders.

Only X3 is a colorless, odorless aerosol, albeit with a slightly milder effect.

Yet, anyone who makes it to the top ranks of the mercenary pyramid is a high-level psychic. In a confined space like a battleship's interior, one can only imagine how quickly a psychic disorder might set in.

"So, young master, planning to confront us even before the transaction?" A scar-faced youth laughed bitterly in anger. "Alright then, let's see if we kill you after losing control of our psychic powers or chop you down first."

Xia You raised an eyebrow, gestured towards the energy shield's control panel, and then poured out a mountain of energy crystals from her spatial ring onto the sofa.

It's common knowledge that energy shields can withstand almost any attack, even lasting a few seconds inside a star nebula cannon. Their only flaw is their limited size and their massive energy consumption.

The crowd: "..."

Seriously, for a young master, not piloting mechas or battleships, why would you carry so many energy crystals?

Moreover, even those piloting mechas or battleships wouldn't need this much, right?

The atmosphere instantly became tense.

Sen wanted to say something, but given the mood, he felt he might not have the right to speak.

Just then, an alluring woman, who had remained silent and seated, observing everything, shifted her posture and softly chuckled, "So, young master, what price do you propose for our lives?"

Attempting to break through defenses that once secured the top traders with just one battleship and thirty-seven mercenaries, even with the element of surprise, was practically suicidal.

Mercenaries aren't short on cash, and while they might enjoy living on the edge, they value their lives just as much.

Xia You revealed another smile, and in a flash, her vigorous and formidable psychic energy filled the battleship's interior.

He didn't display the small tendrils typical of psychic entities; instead, he released his psychic energy just like any regular healer.

However, due to Xia You's unique psychic strength, although he's ranked 'A', when fully unleashed, his power approaches that of an 'S' class.

"Are you a healer?!"

The mercenaries' hearts skipped a beat.

Those who choose the life of a mercenary often have some complications with their backgrounds, making it unlikely for them to pass through the Healing Centers' scrutiny and receive conventional psychic solace.

Healers not under the empire's protection and stranded outside are a rare sight. Hence, mercenaries usually rely on drugs with severe side effects to soothe their psychic powers. Once their psychic disorder reaches an advanced stage, they're left waiting for the inevitable.

But this young master before them, judging by the external psychic strength, is at least 'S' class!

This could be an 'S' class healer…

Xia You glanced over the mercenaries, noting the changes in their expressions. With a smile, he raised his right hand, bent three fingers, and leisurely said, "Two psychic soothes per person, non-transferable, valid for a lifetime."

"How do you feel about this addition to the deal?"

……

Having resolved the internal variables of the battleship, turning off the vents and the energy shield, Xia You turned to the stunned Sen, "Proceed with the battleship, call me when they connect to the communication channel."

Sen swallowed hard, wishing to return to the Blue Star Base after this ordeal and slap those who claimed Lord Xia You was naive and easily deceived.

"However, having said all that, I think there's something you need to seriously consider."

Standing up, Xia You held a little charcoal-black furball in his arms that Sen didn't recognize. Yet, Sen felt an eerie chill whenever he caught the cat's gaze.

"I'm here for what I want. If Old Zheng can offer the trade goods, I might be inclined towards a peaceful resolution," Xia You said cryptically, "After all, I'm hardly some naive, easily fooled do-gooder."

Cold sweat beaded on Sen's forehead.

As he watched Xia You's retreating figure, Sen frowned deep in thought, while from the mercenaries' side, two whistles echoed.

"Well, this is intriguing. I'm starting to take a liking to this young master."

"I told you, anyone under the special care of the Golden Eagle couldn't possibly be just a pampered young lord. Admit your mistake, won't you?"

"It's not exactly a mistake. He's an 'S' class healer. If we survive this mission, won't we be hitting the jackpot?"

"Tsk, gambling with your lives? You bunch of madmen—"

*

The cabin door closed behind him, and Xia You, usually composed and calm, relaxed his shoulders. He darted toward the bed and dove onto it, embracing the little black furball.

Lu Yinghuai could tell what Xia You was up to and pushed away at Xia You's face with his paws.

Xia You spoke softly, gazing affectionately at the seemingly reluctant furball beneath him.

"Your Highness, I was so nervous just now, my hands were shaking!"

The force behind the furball's paw pushes noticeably weakened.

Seizing the moment, Xia You murmured:

"You said you wanted to pursue me, yet His Highness won't even grant me a simple hug and comfort..."

His voice was soft and sounded pitiful.

The little black furball's eyes flashed with resignation. Sighing silently, it relaxed its limbs.

The next moment, Xia You buried his head into the furball's belly, rolling playfully on the bed.

After a bit of teasing, Xia You sat up, his cheeks flushed, his eyes sparkling with mirth.

Lu Yinghuai retreated from the danger zone to rest on Xia You's shoulder. Turning his head to gaze at the young man, he typed on a holographic screen: [Were you really nervous?]

"Perhaps, just a tiny bit?"

Xia You indicated a minuscule amount by showing a little part of his pinky.

The youth flashed a mischievous smile, his eyes shining like stars: "Your Highness, I'm so thrilled!"

Lu Yinghuai understood the feeling; much like a fledgling eager to soar into the skies, a rush of excitement bubbled within.

However, after freshening up and changing into pajamas, the little fledgling lay under the covers with wide-open eyes, looking as if he could easily go another three hundred rounds.

Xia You touched his slightly accelerated heartbeat, murmuring, "I'm kind of tired, but I can't seem to sleep."

Lu Yinghuai hopped into Xia You's arms, pushing him down between the pillows with forceful paws. His fluffy tail gently covered Xia You's eyes.

A smile tugged at Xia You's lips. Obediently, he pulled up the covers, suppressing his excitement, and tried to drift off.

In a short while, Xia You's breathing became steady and even.

The little black furball snuggled next to Xia You's cheek, positioning his pointy ears against Xia You's neck, and closed his eyes.

The cabin lights dimmed.

However, not long into his sleep, Xia You started to breathe rapidly. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and he appeared to be trapped in a nightmare, helplessly wrestling with the sheets and blankets.

The energy stones contained complex energy components. Consuming too much can cause emotional fluctuations, leading to irritability and anger.

Since Xia You began rapidly absorbing these energy stones and quickly depleting his mental strength, he started experiencing restless sleep and occasional nightmares.

This is precisely why, despite their familiar creatures urgently needing mental soothing, Lu Yinghuai and Uncle Zhou had been strictly controlling the amount of energy stones Xia You consumed.

Lu Yinghuai, who had barely slept, immediately opened his eyes. He placed his tail in Xia You's left palm and, seeing Xia You's other hand reach out, leaned his furry head towards it.

Xia You quickly settled down, curling up under the covers like a shrimp, holding the little black furball tightly, as if a drowning man had found his last lifesaver.

The little black furball lifted its head, gently kissing Xia You's cheek.

— Goodnight, don't be scared.