Chapter 46: Zao Zao’s other kind of mental power

Chapter 46: Another Form of Zao Zao's Psychic Abilities

Bundled up like a fluffy ball, the toddler clutched his small bow. This wasn't even him using his full psychic abilities—his tiny halo and wings remained hidden.

He blinked his wide eyes, looking at An Ya and Fei Man who were restraining him.

"This is too small for Zao Zao to bother with—"

Without turning her head, An Ya kicked out, sending a nearby Boer Revolutionary Army member flying.

"Auntie and Uncle are here, Zao Zao has nothing to worry about."

Fei Man's psychic spear appeared instantly in her hand. She moved without hesitation, even covering the child's eyes as the spear ran through a terrified Boer Revolutionary soldier about to shout that two Crown Clan members were present.

"Zao Zao just needs to wait here a little while."

An Ya continued,

"Big Brother and Second Brother have everything under control. Our troops will arrive soon—this was all planned for. Besides, we're in our prime, not like Uncle Mei Lun. Zao Zao can relax and wait."

Fei Man shot An Ya a glance.

Her cold, beautiful face showed faint amusement—Does Uncle Mei Lun know you're throwing shade at him like this?

But the words rang true: We promise not to be the first to use large-scale destructive weapons—Zao Zao!

Xiao Chuzao still gripped his little bow, standing on the high platform. The scent of blood reached him.

But unlike last time,

the Crown Clan members were relaxed, even exchanging jokes.

Fei Man patted his head. "Step back a bit, Zao Zao. You're our amazing secret weapon. If Auntie's fine, you don't need to act, okay?"

The child was easy to coax.

Only five years old and bundled up, his large eyes sparkled. "Okaaay."

An Ya and Fei Man sprang into action.

Remembering last time's lesson—and with this being the conference's central area swarming with armed troops trying to control the crowd—they weren't worried about these threats. But for Xiao Chuzao, they posed real danger, so neither strayed far.

Countless cameras were broadcasting the chaos live. Across the Star Network, viewership skyrocketed exponentially as the multi-species conference descended into turmoil.

Had Lin Yuan's scheme succeeded, it would have proven the Crown Clan's brutality. Many leaders might have died in Amos' psychic eruption, plunging the galaxy into chaos—precisely what Lin Yuan wanted.

For Fei Man and An Ya, Zao Zao's identity would be revealed eventually—but not in this chaotic mess. With Amos undecided, they wouldn't act recklessly.

Zao Zao stepped back, wide-eyed, bow ready. He quietly cheered whenever An Ya and Fei Man drew near.

The live feed focused on the adults; the shadow-sheltered child drew little attention.

These opponents were no match for them—they hardly broke a sweat. But staying close to Xiao Chuzao as dual protection gave the distant revolutionaries breathing room.

"What's happening? Weren't the Crown Clan's crowns supposed to shatter, causing chaos? The Grand Commander said we just needed to control these civilians in waves!"

The revolutionaries fell back in disarray—this wasn't what they'd been promised.

Not to mention controlling these civilian forces; the people around them were falling one after another. The actions of the Crown Clan before their eyes were as elusive as ghosts, without the slightest hesitation, slicing through the crowd with ease. Anyone who approached Anya and Her Royal Highness Fei Man would meet their end in an instant.

The overwhelming and terrifying combat power created a vacuum around the two, causing more people to retreat or target weaker civilian forces instead.

But in truth, Fei Man and Anya hadn't even begun to unleash their full potential.

Fei Man and Anya were confined to an area centered around the young ones. There were too many of these people, too many civilians around, and the Crown Clan's strength was brutally powerful. If they used their abilities recklessly, it could lead to catastrophic damage to the surroundings.

But even this much was enough. The civilian organizations, thrown into chaos by the sudden appearance of the army and firearms, finally found their backbone, especially those from the Saint Cas Empire.

Whether it was them or the people on the Star Network, they rarely got to witness the Crown Clan in action.

They knew the Crown Clan was formidable, but few had seen it with their own eyes.

"Although we've always heard that the Saint Cas Empire's army sweeps everything in its path—this is just too terrifying!"

"The Crown Clan can single-handedly wipe out small groups of mutant beast armies—a mythic immortal race. Such powerful immortals are rare, and they can't be compared to races like the Spirit Eye Clan."

"I don't know what kind of unrest they're talking about, but these guys are really pushing us too far! Don't be afraid, our numbers aren't small either, and the armies of various countries are nearby!"

And there were voices from the civilian forces of Saint Cas.

"It's Her Royal Highness Fei Man and Prince Anya! His Majesty and Prince Frey are here too, let's fight with them! We absolutely cannot hold back the Princes and Princesses!!"

In the sky, starships were rapidly approaching.

The squad leader glanced over and saw that Anya and Fei Man were only defending a specific area and not advancing further towards them. He immediately shouted, "Don't panic! Don't panic!! Our reinforcements are on the way!! Look up! The Crown Clan dares not come closer. The Commander said their crowns are about to shatter; the Crown Clan is at the end of their rope. We are going to overthrow the Spirit Eye Clan, so why should we fear another immortal race? We just need—"

Fei Man still held a psychic spear in her hand, shaking off the blood from the tip. On the other side, Anya wielded psychic chains, which clanked when they collided. They also noticed the newcomers and, hearing the passionate words from the opposite side, looked up somewhat bewildered.

The Crown Clan's senses were extremely sharp; even from such a distance, the two had already spotted the emblem on the starship—it was the Saint Cas Third Army, the troops led by the third prince of the Saint Cas Empire's Crown Clan, Finn Dwight.

Oh—

So Finn, that bushy-browed, wide-eyed, bearded guy, actually betrayed them, didn’t he?!

Alright, they’d just request Zao Zao’s weapons on Finn when they got back! Turn Finn into a porcupine!

An Ya and Fei Man exchanged a glance, relaxing slightly.

So why the hell did this flaky guy take forever to get back?!

An Ya and Fei Man understood now.

But clearly, no one else had realized the issue yet—especially the Boer Revolutionary Army squad leader, who knew the full plan and was full of himself, believing it was their arranged reinforcements.

He spouted big talk to hype everyone up, yet couldn’t help casting wary glances toward An Ya and Fei Man.

The two were held back by the crowd around them and the need to protect the young one, giving the squad leader the illusion that while the Crown Clan was strong, they weren’t as formidable as the legends claimed.

"The Crown Clan’s Highnesses would never fear you!"

From the other side, the weaker folks protected by the able-bodied of the Saint Cas organization were the first to voice their indignation, angrily retorting.

"A bunch of clueless frogs in a well! The Highnesses took just minutes to control the situation, and aside from you, there were no casualties!"

"You lot, who were chopped down like cabbage by the Highnesses, still yapping now?!"

Bring up the Crown Clan’s broken crown, and the residents of Saint Cas were actually faster to snap than the Crown Clan themselves.

Amidst the passing of generations of the Crown Clan, the entire Saint Cas was consumed by anxiety. Such pain was now mocked openly, and as fervent followers of the Crown Clan, they couldn’t take it anymore.

Those present at the scene and those watching on the Star Network were completely furious—how dare they? How dare they say such things?! The Boer Revolutionary Army!

"Even if all of you perish, His Majesty and their Highnesses of the Crown Clan will remain unharmed! Absolutely!!"

"We are nothing like those in the Bael Union!!"

It was often said that the Crown Clan was cruel and aloof, but only those truly uplifted by them—those who, over the centuries, had shaken off the hardships of their lives and regained their dignity, becoming proud citizens of Saint Cas—knew that His Majesty and their Highnesses of the Crown Clan were the gentlest and strongest beings they had ever encountered.

The temperament of Saint Cas as a whole mirrored that of the Crown Clan—never backing down from a fight. This fierce spirit, under the protection of Fei Man and An Ya, fought back against the nearby Boer Revolutionary Army with sheer force.

Xiao Chuzao stood on high ground, hidden in the shadows, his small face mostly wrapped in a scarf.

He clutched his Cupid's Bow nervously, taking quick, nervous steps back and forth, adjusting his position, ready to spread love and peace.

He could do very little, especially in such a situation. The young cub was still too inexperienced, his strength insufficient, and due to the "teachings" of the former Archangel, his powers were gentle, meant to win him acceptance.

At times like this, the cub felt his weakness keenly, but his aunt and uncle were so incredible—

The little one's large eyes sparkled brightly.

Could Zao Zao ever become a Crown Clan member like his aunt and uncle someday?

And... how was Papa doing? Xiao Chuzao didn’t know. The little one felt a flicker of worry when he suddenly heard the angry cries of Saint Cas’s people.

He looked over and spotted the angriest figure in the crowd—Zao Zao recognized her. It was the woman in the wheelchair who had given Xiao Chuzao the badge earlier.

Just as he was thinking—

BOOM!—a deafening blast shook the air.

The cannons of the descending starships, swift as diving falcons, swiveled and aimed at the dense ranks of the Bael Union not far away, unleashing hell without pause.

The shockwave from the bombardment swept over them.

The Boer Revolutionary Army, who had just regained their morale, was sent reeling by the explosion.

Instinctively, they looked up at the sky.

The crowd, who had been cheering moments ago about their reinforcements arriving and urging everyone to hold on, fell silent.

Now, the sky above the neutral planet resembled a smoke-choked maelstrom. The massive starships moved like colossal whales in the ocean, their ominous black hulls adorned with the gleaming Crown Clan emblem, which slowly came into view for all to see.

Contrary to everyone’s expectations.

Such a unique emblem could only belong to one nation—the Saint Cas Empire.

This was the San Cas Third Army, which had charged from the far-off wastelands, swiftly advancing, obliterating countless Aberrant Beast Legion strongholds, and even wiping out all nearby Boer Revolutionary Army reinforcements!

The sky seemed to darken, as if blotted out.

An Ya and Fei Man stood beneath these behemoths, their black hair tossed by the shockwaves, their crimson eyes faintly glowing in the chaos. Alongside the starships above, they resembled a circling pack of wolves—exuding overwhelming pressure. Of course, this scenario was far more terrifying than mere wolves, as lone wolves could still falter in battle.

But any one of them, alone, was fiercer than an entire wolf pack!

"You're late," Fei Man drawled, seemingly hearing a familiar, sheepish laugh from above.

"Third Brother."

"Yes, it's Saint Cas's army!!!"

The Boer Revolutionary Army collapsed in an instant.

Countless soldiers scattered in panic, ignoring their unit leaders' shouts.

One leader still tried to resist—until An Ya and Fei Man broke free from their confinement and stepped forward.

They stood in a corner now clear of enemy troops as ropes descended. Soldiers of the Saint Cas Third Army rappelled down, securing the area.

The child was no longer in danger.

Both An Ya and Fei Man reached the same conclusion.

The unit leader gripped his energy rifle, but terror overwhelmed him, and he fled—only to be run through the next moment.

With the child watching, Fei Man and An Ya kept the violence discreet.

"The Third Army? That’s Prince Finn’s command!"

"Prince Finn is here too!"

"The Dwight Family... all of them?"

"What a spectacle—"

Huddled in another corner, civilian refugees shielded by Saint Cas’s organization watched—until a noise erupted above.

They hid near the three-story venue where the conference had been held.

The leaders were gone; the building stood nearly empty.

But one Boer Revolutionary Gang Leader, hidden inside and blaming Saint Cas for his ruined plans, vaulted down from the roof, deranged—

"Why can’t we connect? Why—it’s your fault! Saint Cas? Die!"

He swung an energy blade toward the crowd—

Some cried out; others shielded their companions.

The spot was poorly chosen—and the Gang Leader’s fierce mental energy meant the weapon’s backlash would wound bystanders.

Everything happened too fast. An Ya and Fei Man, still engaging foes ahead, snapped their attention toward the threat—just as a force from the sky locked onto the scene.

*Under control—just as planned.*

The Crown Clan elites assessed instantly.

They moved as one—but a flame-wreathed arrow, faster than their power, slammed into the Gang Leader’s shoulder. His weapon clattered to the ground.

Fei Man reacted: her spear flew, chains trailing, striking the man—while a second black arrow streaked down, sending the energy blade skidding across the floor.

Only seconds passed.

The entire Saint Cas Imperial Army had taken control, but An Ya and Fei Man instinctively looked toward a distant corner.

"Zao Zao?"

That arrow wrapped in black flames—it had come from Zao Zao's direction.

But it wasn't—love and peace.

It was an arrow still somewhat immature, yet showing glimpses of its power.

The hidden live-stream cameras captured it all—the small figure with a golden halo, gripping a golden bow, the black flames giving him an intimidating aura.

Everyone was stunned.

Especially the Saint Cas citizens watching everything on the StarNet.

‘What’s happening—?’

‘A crown and wings? Am I seeing things? That’s a crown and wings!!’

‘Protected by Her Highness An Ya and Her Highness Fei Man… No way… Is this a Little Highness?’

‘A Little Highness? He’s protecting us—’

‘Oh my god…’

Xiao Chuzao, nearest to the scene, was still wrapped up tight. For the first time, he'd turned his focus on these enemies. The dark-gold stains on his golden halo burned with black flames, changing his normally gentle psychic energy completely. Even his "love and peace" bow blazed at both ends, only dying out after the arrow was released.

The Crown Clan present felt his energy gradually return to normal.

His small hands trembled slightly.

"Zao Zao…" An Ya gasped, "Zao Zao just—"

The child looked confused too, staring at his bow.

He'd instinctively taken aim. He liked the Saint Cas Empire, liked the people who'd greeted him and said he was adorable.

This place was nothing like the Angelic Realm—

The kid didn’t want anyone he cared about getting hurt.

But just love and peace couldn’t solve this.

If only he were stronger—

This idea burned inside him until the arrow suddenly ignited. Startled, he let go instinctively.

"That power—"

"Zao Zao really has unique psychic energy."

Fei Man and An Ya looked at each other.

"Should we reveal this now? Should we cut the feed?"

"Let Amos handle it."

Fei Man paused in thought.

"But I think this is actually a good opportunity."

No fancy ceremony could hold a candle to this moment—

An Ya and Fei Man both turned their attention to Xiao Chuzao.

A brave, feisty little Crown kid.

Under the protection of the Crown Clan elders, he could do as he pleased—any force foolish enough to target him would be torn apart.

An Ya and Fei Man glanced toward the distance.

At the end of the path, another wave of psychic energy arrived even faster. By the time the gang leader leaped down, it had already slashed out with brutal precision—so sharp that the reaction lagged. Only after the man was slammed down, blood painting the ground, did everyone grasp what had happened.

Before anyone could react—

Amos, having finished off Lin Yuan, closed the distance with slow strides, Frey trailing behind. Further back, Lin Yuan had been cut down by Amos’ blade the moment he spotted the San Cas Third Army’s emblem, without so much as a last word.

Amos had clearly seen the final blow. He stopped before the child.

Xiao Chuzao instinctively lifted a small hand, uneasy.

He remembered his father, uncles, and aunts telling him to stay out of sight for now.

But the next moment, he was scooped up.

"Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty!"

The Saint Casians present bowed instinctively, yet their eyes remained locked on Xiao Chuzao, now cradled in Amos’ arms.

The golden tracery of his tiny halo, the delicate wings on his back—

Amos himself holding him?

Was it possible?

The Saint Casians held their breath, hoping.

An Ya nudged Fei Man. "Got anything to say?"

Their Crown Clan generation had finally announced to the world—they had a new cub.

Cross him, and you’re dead.

Fei Man: "I’m shy—no comment."

An Ya: ?

That’s rich—Fei Man, shy?

In the distance, Finn, having cleared the battlefield, landed and turned just in time to see the scene: ?

He sucked in a breath—hadn’t Amos mentioned having a cub??

The child in Amos’ arms blinked wide, round eyes, his fluffy black hair framing a face still a little nervous, half buried in his scarf.

"Papa? Did Zaozao give himself away?"

Does Zaozao need to hide? Zaozao is the secret weapon!

He spoke in a soft, sweet murmur, his big eyes shining brightly.

Little Chuzao had never experienced such a scene before.

"Originally, Papa wanted to give you a grander introduction ceremony, not have you hide,"

Amos spoke, adding that he always felt it inappropriate to place the weight of Saint Cas on a little cub who didn't yet feel much belonging to the nation. Truthfully, Amos now wanted to examine what was happening with Little Chuzao's psychic energy.

But at this moment, he looked at the crowd. Little Chuzao's eyes slowly widened as everyone stared at him. Amos stood on the battlefield thick with smoke, cradling the cub as he stepped over the traces of treacherous blood.

"This is my cub, Chuzao Dwight, Saint Cas's future king. I am proud of his bravery and strength. I will protect him until the end of my days."