Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 108

<Tianxiu Arc>

Within and around the royal palace, gloomy clouds hovered, and the once magnificent palace was now shrouded in a hazy gloom. The envoy they had sent to negotiate peace with the Wolf Star Desert Tribe had returned, bringing with him the tribe’s terms for reconciliation.

“Did they really say that?” The reigning emperor of Tianxiu inquired in a slightly irritated tone after hearing the envoy’s report.

The envoy nervously lowered his head. “Yes, the King of the Desert from Wolf Star said that if we want to end the war, in addition to meeting their compensation demands, His Highness himself must go… to Wolf Star… for a marriage alliance.”

His voice grew softer, but in the silent hall, every word echoed clearly to all present.

“Absurd!” The emperor slapped the armrest of his throne hard, becoming so agitated that he began to cough violently. Attendants rushed forward to comfort him. The average lifespan of the Tianxiu royal family was around forty years, and the emperor was nearing his end. Born weak, the royal bloodline had always passed from one generation to the next without branching. His only heir, Yue Hua, was just sixteen years old. In two more years, once he became an adult, the throne could be passed on, allowing the emperor to rest in peace. But now, their greatest enemy, the Desert Tribe of Wolf Star, had made such an outrageous demand.

Finally catching his breath, the emperor said, “Yue Hua is my only son, the sole heir to the throne. More importantly, he is a proud young man. How can we send him to marry into a barbaric foreign tribe?”

A minister below said indignantly, “The Desert Tribe must be aware of His Highness’s situation. By making this impudent demand, they clearly want to use a refusal of the marriage alliance as a pretext to invade. If we are forced to agree, it would be a great humiliation for Tianxiu, and the royal lineage would be cut off.”

Another lamented, “Given His Highness’s health and susceptibility to illnesses, how can he withstand the long journey and the environment of another planet? Furthermore, the Wolf Star inhabitants’ ferocity and barbarism are well known. How can he possibly…”

The young prince, seated prominently to the west, turned even paler as the murmurs continued.

With many voices but no solution, the Desert Tribe of the Wolf Star was a formidable enemy that Tianxiu couldn’t match. Sacrificing the young prince might be the only way to avoid the nation’s destruction.

The emperor, with a growing headache, exclaimed, “With so many of you here, can no one think of a way to repel the enemy?”

One of the royal science researchers stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I have an idea.” He unfolded a blueprint. “This is my latest research—a giant humanoid made of metal, possessing immense offensive and defensive capabilities. It can be operated from inside. I call it a ‘Mech’.”

Someone immediately countered, “You mentioned it’s operated from inside. This means there are high requirements for the operator’s physical abilities, balance, and adaptability. So, who will operate this… Mech you’ve invented?”

The researcher hesitated.

Another suggestion arose. “What if we find an ally, offer them this Mech, and in return, seek their protection?”

“Don’t be naive. What if the ally acquires our weapon, replicates the technology, and then turns it against us? Haven’t we been deceived enough already?”

“What we urgently need now is a unique weapon that doesn’t require manual operation and has autonomous capabilities. But where can we find such a weapon?”

All eyes turned to a silent individual, another researcher from the Royal Academy and a highly regarded scientist in recent years.

Under intense scrutiny, he stepped forward. “Your Majesty, my team has been working on a project to develop an individual entity with autonomous combat capabilities. However, we’ve encountered a major challenge.”

“What’s the problem?” the emperor asked eagerly.

“We lack an effective ‘sample’.”

“Sample? What do you mean?”

“The entities we’ve developed possess very basic artificial intelligence. They can’t handle complex commands and certainly can’t be used in warfare. The human brain is an incredibly complex organ, and we can’t replicate it solely with scientific simulation. To advance artificial intelligence further, we would need…”

“Need what?”

“We would need a real human to willingly become a ‘sample’. Based on this, we could then replicate and modify it, creating a true sentient being.”

The courtiers exchanged worried glances. For someone to become a sample meant transforming into a lifeless entity.

“Can’t we use death row inmates for this?”

He shook his head. “Undergoing transformation requires enduring inhuman torture. We’ve tried this experiment with death row inmates, but none survived. To succeed, the individual must possess a strong physique, an extraordinary will, and undying loyalty to the royal family.”

The room fell silent. Everyone hoped the research would succeed in saving their nation, but no one wanted to become a lifeless monster.

Just when everyone was at a loss, a man stood up and said, “I am willing to try.”

There was a commotion in the hall. The emperor looked intently and saw that the person who had stepped forward was the young prince’s bodyguard. He was one of the rare “physically strong individuals” among the people of Tianxiu. He had been assigned to the prince when the latter was ten years old and had been responsible for his safety ever since.

When Yua Hua saw it was him, he leaned forward but stopped himself, gripping the arms of his chair so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

The emperor was delighted. “You are willing?”

“Yes,” the bodyguard replied firmly. “My physical condition is superior to that of the average person, and I am completely loyal to the royal family. I believe I should meet the requirements.”

The emperor let out a sigh of relief, feeling very fond of this man who was willing to take on such a great responsibility. “What is… your name again?”

“Your Majesty, my name is Cang Yun.”

“Cang Yun.” The emperor’s gaze softened as he repeated the name. “Cang Yun, good.”

“Your Majesty, I am also willing to try.”

Another person stepped forward from behind the young prince and stood beside Cang Yun.

“…You?”

The individual performed a courtesy typical of palace women. “I am also physically strong and have been appointed to take care of the prince’s daily needs since childhood. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I’ve watched him grow. I cannot tolerate the rude demands of the Desert Tribe. If this transformation has a chance of failure, then having another person increases the odds of success. Please allow me to show my loyalty to the prince.”

The emperor looked at the man and woman standing side by side in the hall. They were merely attendants to the young prince, arguably the lowest in rank in the hall. Yet, when it mattered most, they stepped forward to serve their master, whereas not one official had done so.

Having such individuals come forward, he seemed to already envision the future of Tianxiu.

The emperor gestured for his attendants to approach. “Help me up.”

Two attendants immediately assisted the emperor. With their help, he walked down from his throne to stand before the two.

“Whether the transformation plan succeeds or not, you both are heroes of Tianxiu. My people and I will forever remember your kindness. If our lineage is fortunate to continue, I promise to carve statues in your likeness so that your deeds will be passed down for generations and your names will be immortalized.”

He ordered his attendants. “Let go.”

They carefully released him, and the emperor, in front of everyone, knelt down to the two.

Seeing him do so, everyone else naturally followed suit, bowing down in gratitude. Only Cang Yun and the woman stood tall.

That night, some found it hard to sleep. Cang Yun, as usual, patrolled the young prince’s sleeping chambers and found him still awake.

“Why haven’t you slept?” he asked, crouching down and adjusting the blanket over the prince’s knees. Yue Hua was sensitive to the cold, and at night he had to cover his legs with such a thick blanket.

“Why did you step forward?” Yue Hua’s voice carried a sadness he couldn’t hide.

Cang Yun knelt on one knee. “Because I could never watch my prince marry an enemy to save our people. My duty is to protect you. Even if it means sacrificing my life, I will not allow such an event to occur.”

He tightened the corner of the blanket with a slight smile. “This is the last time I take the initiative to do something like this for you. If we succeed in the future, you can still command me. I swear, no matter what I become, I will always be loyal to you. I will engrave this loyalty into my genes, replicate it without reservation, and provide you with the strongest support in the world.”

Yue Hua reached out and touched his face. “Even if there are a million of you in the future, I would recognize you at a glance.”

Cang Yun lifted Yue Hua’s hand and gently kissed the back of it. “It’s my honor.”

……

The entire nation was focused on this crucial moment. The experimental chamber slowly opened, revealing two people inside with their eyes tightly shut.

“Is this… considered a success or not?” the Emperor asked anxiously.

At his words, it seemed like a signal. Both individuals inside the chamber slowly opened their eyes. Though their appearances remained unchanged, the lack of emotion in their eyes made them seem like completely different people, devoid of all desires and feelings.

Scientists thoroughly examined both of them. All their vital signs appeared normal, but they still hesitated to conclude anything.

“Go, try destroying that stone,” one scientist ordered the transformed Cang Yun.

He referred to a massive boulder outside, taller than a man and so wide it would take two people to wrap their arms around it. In a blink, Cang Yun vanished from their sight and reappeared behind the rock, shattering it with a single punch.

The inherently frail people of Tianxiu had never seen such power before. They were all awestruck, and it took a moment for them to recover.

“We did it!”

“We succeeded! We succeeded!” Everyone cheered.

There was an atmosphere of elation. Even the Emperor, looking up with relief, took a long breath. Only the young prince looked on with sorrow in his eyes.

“Today is a day that only occurs once in five hundred years when the Lone Star, the Tianxiu planet, and the Blazing Sun align,” the Emperor announced. “I name these warriors after the Lone Star. They will be the hope for Tianxiu’s future.”

He ordered, “Proceed with the replication plan as fast as possible. I want to prepare the most magnificent entourage for the young prince’s marriage procession, one that the Wolf Star people will remember for a lifetime.”

“As you command, Your Majesty!”

It was a night of jubilation for the Tianxiu people, with festivities everywhere. Only the prince’s palace remained quiet.

“Your Highness, you called for me.”

A familiar voice, a familiar face. Cang Yun approached Yue Hua, every detail, even the rhythm of his footsteps, exactly as before.

But when Yue Hua looked into his eyes, the warmth that used to spontaneously appear was gone forever.

The Cang Yun now, though still loyal and possessing astonishing power, would no longer act on his own initiative for him.

“Come here.”

Yue Hua reached out, and Cang Yun obediently knelt before him. “What would you have me do, Your Highness?”

After a moment’s thought, Yue Hua said, “Tuck in the blanket for me.”

With great care, Cang Yun adjusted the blanket, making sure every corner was perfect, as he had done countless times before.

“Is there anything else?” he asked when he finished.

Yue Hua gently traced a line from Cang Yun’s hair to his lips. “Smile for me.”

No muscle twitched in response.

“Smile.” Yue Hua tried to force a smile by pushing up the corners of Cang Yun’s mouth, creating a comical expression. Instead of laughing, Yue Hua’s eyes welled up.

“Do you remember the past?” His voice trembled. “Do you remember me?”

Cang Yun remained silent.

Yue Hua leaned forward, embracing Cang Yun’s head as tears rolled down. “You said I could order you to do anything, but you can’t even smile. You liar, a big liar.”

……

Eight years later.

The former emperor had passed away, and the young new emperor had ascended to the throne—a piece of news that was already four years old.

Since the birth of the Lone Star warriors, no other race dared to target Tianxiu. Enemies that once invaded and humiliated them received their retribution. The Wolf Star’s vast Desert Tribe, one of the largest, faced devastating retribution, leading to their complete disintegration and demise.

Tianxiu experienced an unprecedented peace. It seemed they had little to worry about, but one issue remained unresolved. Ever since the new emperor’s ascension, there had been persistent calls for him to take a queen. However, he had been delaying using various excuses. Several elder statesmen spent considerable effort persuading the new emperor to think of the royal lineage and settle down.

Finally, today, the whole nation awaited the long-anticipated wedding ceremony.

“Your Majesty, the ceremony is about to begin. Where are you going?” The master of ceremonies asked anxiously as he followed behind.

Yue Hua didn’t turn his head. “I’m just saying goodbye to an old friend. I won’t run away from the wedding. You don’t need to worry.”

The master of ceremonies sighed in exasperation. The young emperor was truly worrisome.

The heavy door creaked open, revealing a grand, ornate hall with only one person standing alone inside. Hearing the sound, the man turned around and respectfully said, “Your Majesty.”

Yue Hua signaled his attendants to push him forward, then waved them away.

“You may leave. I have something to discuss with him privately.”

The attendants obeyed and left. Once the massive doors closed, only the two of them remained. Yue Hua, supporting himself on the armrest, struggled to stand and took steps to approach Cang Yun.

“I’m getting married. Continuing the royal lineage is my responsibility. Did you foresee this day coming? Is that why you chose to abandon all emotions early on?”

“But that’s okay. Only I hold our memories. Only I have felt sorrow every day for the past eight years. You, knowing nothing, might indeed be blessed in a way.”

Yue Hua lowered his head, took Cang Yun’s hand, and solemnly placed a hexagram emblem in his palm, then closed Cang Yun’s fingers around it.

“You possess eternal life, while I know my time is limited. I hope you can protect my descendants forever, just as you protected me. This is my last request.”

Attendants escorted the young emperor out. In the distance, the sound of ceremonial cannons boomed. The ceremony was about to begin.

Standing in the center of the vast hall, Cang Yun’s face remained expressionless, but a silent tear rolled down his cheek.

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