Chapter 122

Later, Xiayou decided to give Mr. D a psychic evaluation while he was still in a good mental state.

After searching and not finding the hamster, Xiayou contemplated for a moment and then knocked on Uncle Zhou's door.

Indeed, Uncle Zhou was inside. When he saw Xiayou, surprise flickered in his eyes, but he quickly grasped Xiayou's intention, stepping aside to let him in.

As he was closing the door, he caught sight of Yuan Yuan at the entrance, appearing reserved but in reality, eager. He had to suppress a chuckle that almost escaped his lips.

Yuan Yuan lifted a paw, resting it against the doorframe, peering at Uncle Zhou through the door's gap. His ears tilted back, reminiscent of the petulant child who, after annoying Lu Jiuzhu but too proud to apologize, would skittishly loiter around him.

It had been years since Uncle Zhou had seen Yuan Yuan act this way. It was amusing to see that, even after growing many times in size, he still exhibited the same awkward behavior when he upset someone he cared about.

Yuan Yuan let out a soft whine, attempting to push the door open further and squeeze himself in.

To his surprise, the usually supportive Uncle Zhou stood firm, holding the door with an unwavering hand, smiling as he denied Yuan Yuan's entry.

In disbelief, Yuan Yuan looked up at the old butler.

The old butler offered an apologetic smile before firmly shutting the door.

Yuan Yuan, left outside: "?!?"

*

Within the Blue Star Training Base, Lu Yinghuai's hand paused as he was about to sign.

Wei Cheng noticed Lu Yinghuai's hesitation. His eyes sharpened, and he keenly asked, "Marshal, is there an issue with this document?"

Lu Yinghuai lowered his gaze. While letting his companion beast sneak a peek at Xiayu through the window, he placed the signed agreement aside and rubbed his temple. "Have the other legions signed the tri-drafted agreement?"

Wei Cheng responded, his finger touching his lips in thought, "Several deputy marshals are still on the previous proposal... but this time, they've added more bargaining chips."

Lu Yinghuai: "Oh?"

Wei Cheng spoke more quickly, avoiding Lu Yinghuai's gaze, "The deputy marshals found out that Lord Xiayu is fond of companion beasts, so they've cordially invited him to visit the major legions."

"If Lord Xiayu negotiates personally, they will sign the agreement on the spot. No matter how many energy stones Lord Xiayu requires, they're willing to provide. And moreover..."

"...they will fully support the Crown Prince in the future."

Lu Yinghuai remained silent for a while before bursting into laughter.

To conceal Xiayu's unique spiritual power, the news released by Lu Yinghuai remained unchanged: Xiayu's treatment required a substantial amount of energy stones or high-tier energy stones.

The new agreement in question is an initiative reintroduced by the emperor concerning the existence of spiritual entities and companion beasts.

In the past, those who awakened their spiritual powers independently mostly joined the major legions.

Those unsuitable for the legions signed confidentiality agreements. In return, the legions provided them with spiritual counseling and healing, maintaining close ties.

Disclosing the existence of spiritual entities and companion beasts is not an overnight task. Gradually releasing information and guiding the public is the most prudent approach.

Lu Yinghuai wasn't keen on taking full responsibility for this issue. Although the emperor favored him to handle it, Lu Yinghuai preferred to delegate the task.

He wanted the First Legion and the other four major legions to collaborate on its implementation.

It wasn't about shirking responsibility. Addressing this proposal would take years, if not decades. Subsequent legal adjustments and potential intensification of the existing class disparities among imperial citizens due to the existence of spiritual entities all needed consideration.

Xiayu had expressed a desire to explore Blue Star. Lu Yinghuai was torn between his concerns for Xiayu's safety and his desire to accompany him. Additionally, as a marshal, Lu Yinghuai didn't want to further burden his reputation among the imperial citizens.

Realizing the intentions of the other four legions to elevate Xiayu's status, Lu Yinghuai frowned deeply.

Lu Yinghuai had been willing to act as a shield, taking all the scrutiny and conflicts upon himself. Because, at that time, the empire needed a hero, and its citizens required such a spiritual beacon.

But now, a hero who hasn't met a glorious end in battle shouldn't be too high-profile; the results could be undesirable.

Their empire operates under a monarchical senate system, not a federal one. As the Imperial Marshal, there's still the royal family above him. Being too rigid could lead to fragility, and excessiveness to decline.

Lu Yinghuai doesn't possess an intense ambition for power, so he doesn't want to position himself against possible conflicts with the royal interests.

Moreover...

The past Lu Yinghuai didn't care much about happy endings, but now, he has a desire to win stronger than when he first went into battle.

He can't fall; for he has his loved one by his side.

However, it's apparent that the other legions aren't aligned with Lu Yinghuai's stance.

The world has many astute individuals. The senate knows of the emperor's inclination to reform the nobility. Once the blade is drawn against the senate, the legions will be next in line for restructuring.

The second, third, and fourth legions are influenced by the nobility. These nobles don't always side with the senate; many simply don't want to lose their dominant local influence after the emperor's moves against the senate.

Unlike the First Legion, which promotes based on merit regardless of background, these three legions place considerable weight on lineage and familial ties.

Layers of factional circles often force talented soldiers of modest origins to pledge loyalty and allegiance.

The situation with the Fifth Legion is more complex. While they aren't dominated by nobility, they're fiercely protective and won't hesitate to fight fiercely. Yet, when it comes to politics, they remain silent and non-committal, heedless of any authority.

While Xiayu's presence is crucial, Lu Yinghuai, who stands behind him, is even more valuable. If Lu Yinghuai doesn't want Xiayu to become a target, he must step up and continue being the protective barrier for the legions.

"If everyone is unwilling to sign, then let's not continue negotiations."

Lu Yinghuai set the document aside.

Wei Cheng paused, resulting in a momentary silence in the room.

Lu Yinghuai's intention was clear.

If the other legions aren't willing to cooperate, then this matter can be put on hold.

However, this matter won't be brought before Xiayu. In doing so, it would be akin to Lu Yinghuai blocking the only avenue the other legions have to treat spiritual disturbances.

In this interim period, there might be soldiers, already in severe condition, who could get injured or even die due to spiritual disturbances. Wei Cheng isn't overly compassionate; he's a soldier, void of such sentimentality.

He was just concerned that in the future, this matter might be leaked by other legions, used as "evidence" to tarnish Lu Yinghuai's reputation.

Lu Yinghuai stood up, positioned himself by the window, his gaze sweeping over the buildings outside, finally settling on the monument dedicated to fallen soldiers, which had stood there ever since the establishment of the Blue Star Base.

From this distance, the once imposing monument didn't seem quite as awe-inspiring. However, no one felt its weight more than Lu Yinghuai.

——Half of the names on that monument were inscribed personally by Lu Yinghuai.

"Get on with your duties," Lu Yinghuai indicated that the matter was concluded.

Wei Cheng took a few steps towards the door, but just as his fingers brushed the doorknob, he couldn't help but turn around, speaking firmly, "Marshal, perhaps you might consider seeking Lord Xiayu's opinion on this matter?"

Lu Yinghuai turned his head slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of surprise.

"I'm not questioning your judgment. Your decisions always prioritize the bigger picture."

It's just that they often neglect your own well-being.

Bowing deeply to Lu Yinghuai, Wei Cheng said, "However, I believe that Lord Xiayu would not agree with your current decision."

This isn't something he should say as a deputy or subordinate, but rather... as a friend.

Straightening up, without another word, Wei Cheng turned and left the room, heading straight to the training ground.

Fan Yuxin, who had just returned from the Imperial Star, ran into Wei Cheng in the corridor. After exchanging a few words, noticing Wei Cheng's direction, he casually asked, "Where are you off to?"

Wei Cheng waved his hand in a dismissing gesture, "Taking my punishment."

Fan Yuxin, taken aback for a moment, followed and asked, "Who did you place another little bet with this time?"

One look at Fan and Wei Cheng knew his intentions, "I don't have the intel you're looking for, so don't bother."

"How could it be bothering? From the perspective of the guard team, we're colleagues... care to chat?"

"If you're that idle, go and organize the treatment list from Lord Xiayu's side."

"Weren't those already finalized? Did someone's mental condition deteriorate?"

"No, just prioritize the names of canine and avian companion beasts for this month."

The treatment schedule for the upcoming month wouldn't have much impact on those being treated; at most, it would be a matter of sequence. But if Wei Cheng specifically mentioned it like this...

Fan Yuxin stroked his chin, lost in thought.

"Could it be that Lord Xiayu has suddenly developed a new preference, no longer fond of cats?"

Wei Cheng glanced at Fan Yuxin: "Colonel Fan."

Fan Yuxin: "?"

"The clever ones often meet swift ends."

Wei Cheng commented with a sardonic smile, pushing past Fan Yuxin to enter the training room, quickly setting a password lock from inside.

Left outside, Fan Yuxin pondered for a moment, feeling that Wei Cheng had skillfully deflected the conversation. He hadn't managed to extract any real information from him.

However...

A question now nagged at Fan Yuxin.

Why did Xiayu suddenly lose interest in the feline species?

Recalling his own lynx-like companion beast that may have fallen out of favor, Fan, the young master, deeply furrowed his brows.

*

Marshal's Residence

Xiayu and Uncle Zhou sat at a table, both staring down at a hamster named D, which was nestled in a tiny knitted box. They were silent for a while, seemingly at a loss for words.

Uncle Zhou, wielding knitting needles, effortlessly crafted a miniature sweater, occasionally flicking away D's paws whenever the hamster tried to play with the yarn.

Evidently irritated by D's pesky antics, Uncle Zhou bundled up the golden-furred creature and handed it to Xiayu, before moving to the other side of the sofa to continue his knitting.

Xiayu's gaze kept drifting back to the half-finished piece in Uncle Zhou's hands, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

Was he mistaken, or was the tiny sweater that Uncle Zhou was knitting genuinely a pale pink dress?

But then, as Xiayu glanced at the yawning hamster in his palm, he relaxed.

Mr. D, being such a tiny hamster, probably couldn't wear pants anyway. It must be for convenience's sake.

At that thought, Xia You shook her head to dispel the bizarre ideas. Her psychic tendrils extended gently, poking the fluffy body of the hamster.

Hamster D was still glaring at the tiny sweater in Uncle Zhou's hand from a distance. Suddenly poked, it turned with bared teeth. Seeing it was Xia You, it softened its fierce expression and extended a paw to shake hands with the tendril.

Although Xia You was slightly taken aback by the fleeting gangster vibe Hamster D displayed, she reasoned that Mr. D, being a mercenary—even if in the form of a hamster—having a fierce side was only natural.

Without further thought, Xia You initiated broad contact with the hamster through her palm, sending her psychic tendrils into its body.

Hamster D stiffened momentarily, its paws clutching together and laying motionless in Xia You's palm with its feet in the air.

Uncle Zhou paused in his knitting, reached for an unshelled peanut from the table, and placed it into the hamster's embrace, saying, "Hold this tight, no scratching allowed."

Hamster D shot Uncle Zhou an irritated glance.

"Alright, alright! I won't hurt your precious little one!"

Due to the hamster's tiny physique, the grey matter within constantly condensed as it was produced, ultimately leading to the most severe type of psychic disorder.

Xia You's psychic tendrils seemed to hit a barrier as if they encountered the crystallized psychic power of an insect queen. Upon meeting these troublesome grey-black clumps, they displayed an intense aggression.

After an extended period of dismantling these problematic clumps, the energy-drained tendrils paused to recharge. Once revitalized, they resumed their rigorous task inside the hamster's body, with the intensity making Xia You worry about Mr. D's mental stability.

However, after observing for a while, Xia You was surprised to find that the seemingly soft and chubby hamster didn't resent the aggressive psychic intrusion. Instead, as the tendrils devoured and pried the grey-black crystals, Xia You sensed a destructive psychic power.

Such destructive force was hard for Xia You to fathom, coming from a soft hamster companion beast.

Xia You became curious.

She wondered about Mr. D, whom she had only briefly met. What kind of person might he be beneath that cloak?

This method of consumption during treatment undoubtedly enhanced Xia You's therapeutic efficiency and duration.

The higher the psychic power of the patient, the more energy-dense the grey matter consumed by the tendrils, and the less energy Xia You herself would expend.

Conversely, when treating healthier companion beasts like the fishing cat, although Xia You would consume a lot of grey matter, to her now SS-tier power, these became akin to basic energy stones of the past—turning from a main source of energy to mere snacks.

……

As Xia You's psychic tendrils withdrew from Hamster D, it was already dark outside. A pale pink skirt that Uncle Zhou finished knitting lay in the small basket where Hamster D had been.

Gently placing the unconscious furry ball back into the basket, Xia You stood up to leave, only to bump into Uncle Zhou, who was returning with some juice.

Uncle Zhou handed Xia You the juice and asked with concern, "Is your mindscape alright?"

Xia You took a sip, tasting the watermelon flavor. After another sip, he nodded, "Mr. D's psychic strength is quite potent. I absorbed a fair amount."

"Yet he doesn't seem to have undergone a second psychic development phase. Should we consult Dr. Meng?"

Uncle Zhou chuckled and shook his head, "No need. We’re all experimental subjects from the Federation Testing Base. Our conditions are unique compared to other companion beasts."

Xia You acknowledged and tentatively asked, "In that case… Uncle Zhou, would you like me to treat you as well?"

Uncle Zhou paused, musing for a moment, then replied, "Let’s discuss it once the young lady is fully recovered."

Under Uncle Zhou's gentle gaze, Xia You blinked, understanding.

Uncle Zhou's psychic level might be no less than SS-tier.

The two went on to discuss the Blue Star map. Uncle Zhou mentioned some areas were a bit hazy in his memory. He would need to send out the golden eagle for another reconnaissance to refine the details.

Xia You had no objections. Heading to the energy stone veins wasn’t a priority right now. He first needed to finish the initial round of scheduled treatments here.

"By the way, Uncle Zhou, is Miss Yucat still around?"

Uncle Zhou nodded, "She just woke up. The hibernation center will send someone to pick her up in an hour."

Upon hearing this, Xia You drained the remainder of his juice in a few quick gulps, handed the empty cup back to Uncle Zhou, and dashed towards the small reception room. His voice echoed from the staircase, "Uncle Zhou, I have some questions to ask!"

Before Uncle Zhou could react, he turned, giving a resigned look towards Yuan Yuan, who had been completely ignored throughout the conversation.

The massive leopard seemed to sulk, letting out a soft whimper.

Ultimately, Uncle Zhou's tender heart won out. He fetched a large book from his spatial pouch and handed it to the leopard, urging, "Read this carefully, and learn from it."

Yuan Yuan glanced at the book's title. His unique golden-purple eyes quivered momentarily before he turned to leave.

However, after just a couple of steps, he hesitated and returned.

The sleek black-furred leopard settled in the corridor and, with a grave expression, opened the book titled, "Understanding the One in Your Heart."

*

Several walls away, the Emperor rummaged through the bookshelf for quite a while, murmuring, "Where could it be?" and "Where has it gone?"

The white tiger leaped onto the sofa, letting out a low growl.

The Emperor returned to his seat reluctantly, grooming his wife's fur as he lamented, "That book encapsulates the essence of all my years in love. How can I not find it…"

Lu Jiuzhu rolled his eyes.

Essence, indeed. If it weren’t for her straightforward approach back then, a certain someone would have gone round and round in circles before even confessing, always coming up with some useless and elaborate tactics.

Surely no unfortunate soul has obtained that so-called "essence" and actually treasures it as a guide, right?