Exclusive Possession – CH 077

Chapter 77.

As noon approached, sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the floor in a soft golden hue. Looking out through the glass, the command platform ahead was already filled with imperial officials who had come to observe the ceremony. Each of them wore a solemn expression, yet their eyes shone with bright hope.

Separated by only a wall, the atmosphere inside the room was tense and silent.

I looked at Kenya’s slightly gloomy face—how much did he really know?

However, Yi Pucheng’s quick reaction and deep understanding in the face of Kenya’s slightly hostile questioning still exceeded my expectations. After a brief silence, a look of pity flashed across his face, and he slowly said, “You aren’t insignificant.” He paused, then added in a deep, calm voice, “You also know why I came to you.”

His tone was so profound that for a moment I almost thought the person before me was the real emperor, not Yi Pucheng. At the same time, I caught a glimpse of a faint smile on Mu Xuan’s lips, as if he was also satisfied with his answer.

Even if Yi Pucheng later offered more money, I felt he deserved it.

Kenya looked momentarily stunned.

Perhaps his emotions were still influenced by the “emperor.” I’ve heard that he was the emperor’s most favored son since childhood.

Seeing his silence, Yi Pucheng said softly, “I’ve come to see you personally today for two things. First, they reported to me that a passenger fleet encountered a supernova explosion in the right-hand spiral arm of the third β system. The more than 2,000 people on board were supposedly rescued by your fleet; is that true?”

I was puzzled: Why did he mention two things?

Kenya smiled slightly, his azure eyes appearing gentle and candid: “I’ve heard about this outbreak, but I own many merchant ships, so I’m not sure if they’ve rescued anyone. Since Father’s concerned, I will send someone to investigate immediately.”

After saying that, he turned and ordered, “Go investigate.” Someone responded, “Yes.” Then the footsteps faded into the distance.

Kenya’s ambiguous answer was truly unexpected, but upon reflection, it made perfect sense—if the psychic beings were indeed in his hands, he wouldn’t readily admit or deny them if he didn’t understand their role.

Sure enough, he changed the subject and asked, “Father, who are the people on the ship? Even you’re personally inquiring about them?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Mu Xian’s brows furrowed slightly, his eyes revealing a mocking glint. Seeing his reaction, I immediately realized—Kenya was cunning! If Yi Pucheng tells the truth, he could definitely press him on why the mental power users were secretly transported out. If he lies, how would he be able to find them later?

Without much hesitation, Ke Yipu answered frankly, “They are 2,400 with spiritual power from the Empire.”

My heart skipped a beat.

Kenya seemed somewhat surprised: “A psychic? Father, I haven’t heard that you issued this migration order.”

Yi Pucheng said calmly, “It was a secret order I gave to Nuo’er. This matter concerns the security of the Empire. We will talk about it later.”

He changed the subject: “The second matter—after the Empire’s relocation, the military forces need to be redeployed. I’ve discussed it with Tarui, and we plan to appoint two marshals, one to oversee the Southern Fleet and the other the Northern Fleet. Would you be willing to serve as the Southern Fleet Marshal?”

I was taken aback, and then I saw a look of shock flash across Kenya’s eyes as well.

I did hear Mu Xian mention the troop deployment plan after the empire’s relocation, which might involve dividing the country into two war zones. However, the selection of a marshal was never discussed. Yi Pucheng actually blurted it out!

I thought I could guess what Yi Pucheng was thinking—is he trying to throw a piece of meat at Kenya first? But Kenya was a shrewd country; would they fall for it?

Looking at Mu Xian again, his expression was also somewhat surprised, but it quickly became thoughtful.

“Southern District Marshal…” Kenya repeated slowly, each word distinct, a complex and unreadable smile playing on his handsome face. “The Northern District Marshal’s Nuo’er, isn’t he?”

Yi Pucheng nodded: “Yes.”

Kenya leaned back on the sofa, his gaze seemingly fixed on the floor, then lifted a few seconds later: “Back then, you banished me for Nuo’er’s sake. Now, why are you re-employing me?”

Yes, why was that?

Yi Pucheng smiled quietly: “Back then, in your struggle for power and profit, you killed your brothers and disregarded the lives of imperial soldiers. Now, do you repent?”

My heart skipped a beat.

In an instant, Yi Pucheng seemed to have truly transformed into the ruler of that empire, refined yet imposing.

Kenya, in the video, also looked shaken, his face appearing somewhat pale and flushed. I thought, “Oh no, the talks have fallen apart. Kenya’s so proud and arrogant; he must be furious.”

There were a few seconds of silence in the room. Kenya suddenly leaned forward, staring intently at the screen, and slowly nodded: “Yes, Father. I’m willing to serve the Empire again.”

His tone was very serious.

It seems he was persuaded.

His father’s rebuke didn’t anger him; instead, it made him acquiesce to his past mistakes. Perhaps it was because he simply didn’t doubt the emperor’s words.

For some reason, I was actually a little moved. Mu Xian made the right move.

Yi Pucheng smiled with satisfaction, offered Kenya a few more words of encouragement, and emphasized the new responsibilities of the new theater marshal. Kenya nodded in agreement, the smile never fading from his lips.

I thought the time was right and Yi Pucheng would bring up the matter of psychic beings again. But then, Kenya calmly asked, “Father, could you give me a written appointment order?”

Yi Pucheng was taken aback. Kenya’s expression was somewhat sarcastic and self-deprecating: “Father, now, more than fifty percent of your government is made up of Nuo’er’s people, isn’t it?”

Yi Pucheng nodded, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

I thought Kenya’s meaning was very clear: he didn’t distrust his father but rather wanted him to be wary of Mu Xian, which was why he asked to obtain the written warrant immediately.

What should we do? Should we actually prepare a warrant? Wouldn’t we have to honor it later?

To everyone’s surprise, Yi Pucheng showed no hesitation: “Of course. I can give you a written promise.” He turned to us and said, “Go and prepare.”

Mu Xian didn’t hesitate and gave Mop a look. Mop immediately went out and found one of the emperor’s personal guards. After a while, a gold-embossed warrant was prepared.

The guard handed it over, and Yi Pucheng glanced down at it, smiled, and with a flourish of his pen, signed the emperor’s name, handed it to the guard, and faxed it to Kenya—over the past month, his robotic arm had become incredibly adept at imitating the emperor’s handwriting.

At that moment, someone from Kenya whispered, “Your Highness, the appointment letter has been received.”

Kenya stood up to take it, looked at it quietly for a while, and then sat down again. His voice was solemn, and his eyes became resolute: “Thank you, Father.”

Yi Pucheng smiled and nodded, finally steering the conversation back on track. He said, “You already have the authority to know about the matter of those with spiritual powers. I didn’t want to disclose it before because I was afraid of causing public panic.”

Kenya nodded.

Yi Pucheng’s tone was grave: “I had Nuo’er gather them together because Hua Yao predicted that an outbreak would occur among those with spiritual power…”

My heart tightened when I heard this, and Mu Xian’s expression also changed slightly.

But then Yi Pucheng slowly said, “A plague that could destroy half the empire.”

***

Yi Pucheng, Mu Xian, and I sat facing each other in silence.

Kenya had just said he would investigate quickly, and the father and son ended the call amicably. At that moment, Yi Pucheng leisurely sipped his hot tea, a smile playing on his lips. Mu Xian remained silent, his handsome face slightly lowered, his gaze deep and calm.

Are they waiting for Kenya’s reply?

The conversation just now was full of twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Now, thinking back on it carefully, Yi Pucheng really did plan every step of the way.

He focused the conversation on promoting and utilizing Kenya. Once Kenya was on his side, he would then bring up the matter of the psychic, as if it were a problem that the father and son needed to solve together.

To be able to adapt to changing circumstances to this extent, he’s truly cunning and incredibly audacious.

I couldn’t help but ask, “You’ve given him the warrant; what will you do in the future?”

Yi Pucheng didn’t even frown. He glanced at Mu Xian, then looked at me, and smiled with a hint of sarcasm: “You really consider this a problem? It’s simple. You don’t even need your husband to do anything. With your strong mental power, just find an opportunity next time you meet and kill Kenya. How can a dead man be a marshal?”

My heart skipped a beat—he actually had this idea?

But he’s right; Kenya had no idea about my and Mu Xian’s mental strength levels. Killing him would be a piece of cake.

But… that’s too cruel.

Yi Pucheng wasn’t only cunning but also ruthless at heart.

So, was Mu Xian’s tacit approval of Yi Pucheng’s actions also driven by the same thoughts? I looked at Mu Xian, but he showed no contempt or ruthlessness. Instead, he said calmly, “He might be a suitable candidate for the Southern District Marshal.”

I was taken aback, and Yi Pucheng also raised his eyebrows and looked at Mu Xian.

“His family’s very powerful. Employing him will allow the government to obtain more financial support.” His dark eyebrows and eyes appeared cold and calm. “Compared to Tarui’s gentleness, Kenya’s toughness may be better suited for building New Stan—we will see how it goes.”

Judging from his tone, it seemed he had considered similar ideas before. I remember last time Tarui asked if Kenya should be brought in for the migration, Mu Xian flatly refused; in the face of a crisis, he clearly didn’t trust Kenya. But when it came to a peaceful future, he was able to stand on the Empire’s side and disregard past grievances.

I nodded: “You are right.” Yi Pucheng smiled lazily, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

The communicator rang immediately after he finished speaking; it was Kenya’s voice:

“Father, I have found those people with spiritual power.”

***

Kenya indeed stated that the group of psychic beings had been taken back to the capital by his subordinates, who mistook them for civilians who had perished in the empire. He also reported their current location—a medium-sized city two thousand kilometers away from the empire.

We finally breathed a sigh of relief. Mu Xian immediately ordered Mop to lead a team to the location. He also ordered that once the person was successfully retrieved, follow-up personnel should secretly monitor and search the location, as Kenya might have also returned to Stan. Although the two sides had reached a preliminary alliance, they still needed to be wary of him.

Just as these arrangements were completed, Morin knocked on the door: “Your Majesty, Your Highness, the relocation ceremony’s about to begin.”

It was nearly noon, and the vast spaceport shimmered under the sunlight. A red carpet covered the command platform, where several military and political dignitaries were already seated and waiting. Mu Xian and I returned to our seats in the center of the first row, while Yi Pucheng took his seat on the throne at the very front.

By now, the passenger spaceships were fully loaded. Through the small windows of the spaceships, many faces could be vaguely seen. Beside each spaceship stood five crew members and several guards.

Meanwhile, the pilots were all seated in the outer defense aircraft. They opened their cockpits and all looked up towards the command center.

Poised to launch.

After a brief musical interlude, Tarui, who was standing next to Mu Xian, stood up and walked towards the loudspeaker. He was wearing a sharp black suit, his expression solemn, and his cheeks slightly flushed.

“Your Majesty the Emperor, officials of the Empire, and my fellow citizens,” he said in a deep voice, “I’m Prince Tarui. It’s my honor, on behalf of my father and my colleagues who have worked day and night for this migration, to announce that the migration ceremony has officially begun.”

Inside and outside the spaceport, applause resounded. I clapped, and Mu Xian exchanged a glance with me, a smile flashing in his clear, dark eyes.

My heart, which had been hanging in suspense for so long, seemed to have settled down considerably.

The migration was about to begin, the psychic had been found, and there seemed to be nothing unusual in Yi Pucheng—everything seemed to be going smoothly, and it should continue to go smoothly.

After a brief speech, Tarui invited His Majesty the Emperor to address the nation. Yi Pucheng began to speak eloquently and with great enthusiasm. It must be said that his speech was as brilliant as ever; even I listened intently, beginning to imagine life in New Stan with a solemn yet hopeful heart.

On second thought, a sweet feeling welled up in my heart—whether Neo-Stan was good or not didn’t really affect me much, because I’ve already made a promise with Mu Xian to make the universe my home.

Finally, Mu Xian, as the national commander-in-chief, issued orders to the pilots in charge of this relocation operation. A good start was important, so he selected the best pilots in the entire army for this transport mission. Adop and his men were among them.

The lights shone brightly, the sunlight blinding. Mu Xian gently squeezed my hand and stood up. His white military uniform made his skin appear even whiter, his features as cold and clear as snow. Facing the attention of thousands, he calmly walked to the loudspeaker, his voice deep and resonant: “Attention all pilots, this is Commander Nuo’er—report crew status.”

At this moment, a series of steady and powerful voices came from the loudspeaker:

“First squad, all personnel in position!”

“Second squad, all personnel in position!”

“Third squad, all personnel in position!”

…

The spaceport was silent, save for the emotionless, monotonous replies echoing in the air. Yet, I felt a surge of emotion within me, and looking up, I saw excitement on the faces of many officials.

Yes, after so much planning, this day had finally arrived, and they were officially beginning to change the fate of the Stan people. But they didn’t know that what they were changing was actually the future of the entire universe.

My eyes welled up with tears, and Mu Xian’s figure became blurry; only his clear, cold voice echoed in my ears:

“Squads, report engine status.”

“All teams, final pre-flight checks.”

“Follow my commands, take off in cruise formation according to flight numbers: 10, 9, 8… 4, 3, 2, 1!”

After issuing his final command, Mu Xian raised his head, his tall figure standing quietly in the sunlight like a proud tree. And I seemed to see, on several highways outside the distant spaceport, a simultaneous surge of people—tens of thousands looking up at the sky that held new hope.

Perhaps at this moment, the entire Stan, and even other civilizations in the Milky Way, were watching the fighter jet representing Stan’s rebirth take off.

The low rumble of hundreds of spaceships and fighter jets starting up simultaneously enveloped the entire spaceport, making the air seem to vibrate. Soon, the first row of ships in the formation, like heavy, dark gray behemoths, rose vertically into the air. Dark flames traced fleeting trails in the sky.

Then came the second row, the third row… When they rose to the same height as the command platform, there was a brief pause, as if in some kind of tribute. Then they accelerated sharply, rose into the clouds, and quickly disappeared from sight.

A deafening roar of cheers erupted from the ground. The command platform was no longer silent either; Tarui and Yi Pucheng rose and waved to the crowd. Officials shook hands and embraced one another.

Mu Xian also turned from the stage and shook hands with everyone. I stood up, and he immediately noticed and turned to look at me through the crowd, a bright smile appearing on his handsome face. The sunlight shone on his face, golden and dazzling, with a golden reddish hue.

I stared at him, lost in thought, as if the whole world had shrunk down to just the two of us gazing at each other from afar.

For a moment, I was slightly taken aback.

As if sensing something amiss at the same time, Mu Xian looked away from me. We both turned our heads and looked up at the sky.

The sky was a brilliant, clear blue.

The star, which was just a moment ago golden-orange, had somehow taken on a faint reddish hue.

The light was so dazzling that, in a daze, I seemed to see the red seeping out from the depths of the star, slowly spreading out.

red.

A precursor to a red giant.

My mind went blank for a moment, and I turned my head to look at Mu Xian blankly. He was staring at the stars, the smile completely gone from his fair face.

No! How could this be? How could it be so much earlier than expected?

I heard a silent, angry scream from deep within my chest. The bustling crowds before my eyes and ears seemed to vanish in an instant.

Everyone else was oblivious, and I dashed towards Mu Xian. His face was icy cold as he abruptly raised the communicator on his wrist: “Attention, everyone…”

Before I could finish speaking, I had already bumped into his arms. He held me tightly with one arm. At the same time, the ground beneath my feet seemed to have been hit hard, shaking violently. The entire capital city before me seemed to tremble.

The cheers abruptly ceased, and Tarui and another official collapsed to the ground beside me. Meanwhile, throughout the spaceport, exclamations of surprise echoed from near and far.

A frantic, shrill voice came through the communicator on Mu Xian’s wrist: “Commander, Commander, this is Major Adop. We have encountered intense sunspot radiation from a star and are unable to leave the atmosphere of Stan. We request cancellation of our flight and an emergency landing…” Suddenly, a sharp, piercing sound cut off his voice. Mu Xian’s expression changed drastically: “Adop!” But the backlight of the communicator went out—it was malfunctioning!

The officials all returned to their desks, their faces pale with shock.

“Your Majesty, the command system isn’t responding!”

“The stellar sunspot storm values ​​are 10 times higher than Nuo’ermal, and they are still increasing! 15 times, 17 times, 20 times!”

“Your Majesty! This is… the Red Giant Change! The star has begun its Red Giant Change!”

…

Just then, the once calm atmosphere was stirred up as if by an invisible giant hand, forming huge, gray vortexes of air. Blazing, enormous fireballs tore through the sky and plummeted downwards, eliciting agonizing screams from the people on the ground. It was a stellar storm, beginning to ravage life on Earth.

Tare’s face was ashen, his expression anxious: “Nuo’er, could it be that the Red Colossus has occurred ahead of schedule?”

Yi Pucheng grabbed Mu Xian’s wrist, his eyes darkening: “What are you guys doing? What the hell are you talking about!”

Mu Xian’s face was taut, as if covered in a layer of ice, and he remained stiff and unmoving no matter who pushed him. An overwhelming despair welled up in my heart.

It’s ahead of schedule, really ahead of schedule.

Not a single ship escaped. We couldn’t escape.