In the few short decades since the rapid retreat of pollution in the interstellar era, it was as if a pearl, once dulled by dust, was gradually wiped clean, revealing the true colors of the stars.
And when pollution, which had affected the entire interstellar world, became a less severe problem, new issues naturally arose.
The most fatal survival problems gradually became things of the past over these decades. The whole interstellar world was reshuffled, transitioning from a steady initial period into a phase of competition.
Moreover, with the suppression of pollution gone, the technological power that had been gathering for so long erupted in a frenzy, and various regions had to resume exploration outward, seeking more suitable resources.
The Holy Cas Empire formed a number of long-range fleets during this time.
They set off for exploration in ever more distant parts of the stars.
Of course, the resources they were able to harvest now were also very plentiful.
And ten years ago, the dark tyrant of Holy Cas, His Majesty Amos Dwight, passed the throne to his only youngling, Chu Zao Dwight, who, even at this age, was still cherished by the entire Crown Clan as the apple of their eye. With the Aberrant Beasts cleared and their reputation at its peak, the Crown Clan contentedly handed over government duties to their cub, then took their own personal army to expand their territories—mainly to eliminate Aberrant Beasts in other places, and incidentally to search for various resources needed by the Crown Clan’s home planet.
In these few decades, the Crown Clan’s home planet had recovered quite well. Still, since it had been entirely ruined by pollution before, depending solely on the planet’s regenerative abilities for recovery and rebuilding was far too slow. Especially those special areas needed for giving birth to young Crown Clan members—they still had not regained their former vitality.
After a series of studies, the research division of Holy Cas listed several resources that could help restore the home planet. Among these, minerals containing unique powers were the most significant and also extremely rare. Finding such minerals became the main mission of the expeditionary fleets.
It was worth mentioning—
Under the new king’s leadership, Holy Cas remained the same Holy Cas, but its mental outlook seemed even more unrestrained and radical.
This puzzled other nations and territories, who had expected Holy Cas to appear milder after Chu Zao’s ascension.
Later, scholars studying diplomatic relations between Holy Cas and their own nations pointed out—that a country so structured as Holy Cas was rare, almost impossible to replicate.
The people had a level of empathy and imagination toward their leaders that other populations could not comprehend.
When their emperor was strong, they felt proud and kept in step; when their emperor preferred a gentle approach, this crowd’s sensitivity would skyrocket—seeing everyone as a potential threat to their emperor—and could always spin strange scenarios in their minds, imagining their little majesty wasn’t being treated as deserved for being too nice. This only made them act even more extreme, resulting in a diplomatic posture that looked mild, but with a populace that was exceedingly tough.
What was even more uncanny was that no one questioned this mode, which all seemed to twist together with remarkable ease.
Though harboring confusion, the scholars, in the end, accepted the situation.
After all, since the era of pollution, almost nowhere else had top leaders like the Crown Clan always dragged Holy Cas forward, leading its wars with shocking low casualty rates. They were always astounded by all the subsequent reports and disclosures—let alone the people of Holy Cas, who benefited directly.
And at this moment, Holy Cas was having another manic day.
Because the little majesty, who usually only traveled between the imperial capital and Holy Cas’s enclaves to handle matters, had gone far afield this time, with little information left behind—which was fairly normal for the Crown Clan, except that this time the lead character was His Majesty Chu Zao.
Chu Zao was special for the Crown Clan, and also for Holy Cas. Even if they knew that Chu Zao could now occasionally subdue Feeney, and at times even arm-wrestle with Amos, that did nothing to ease their anxiety.
The Holy Cas leadership, though, more or less understood the situation: roughly six weeks ago, the First Direct Legion under Chu Zao had discovered an unknown star territory and had yet to return; the legion’s commander, Chao Huangmu, who was also the little majesty’s mate, was still missing.
Their little majesty, suffocated by long days in Holy Cas, had finally gone out for a walk—and incidentally to search for people and resources.
…
“Holy Cas…? We’ve never heard of such a place.”
In a faraway star region, as pollution gradually faded, they too began to reap the hard-won fruits of victory against the Aberrant Beasts. The new empire here was prosperous and self-confident, occupying the richest resources of its star domain and continually expanding—until it hit a wall somewhere.
The King of the Zhouteng Empire, Ran Youfeng, looked at the smiling young man standing before him.
Suspicion and scrutiny lurked in his eyes—along with watchful tension.
The black-haired youth looked approachable, with a dazzling smile, sturdy muscles outlined by black military garb, a black cap pressed over tousled hair. The epaulets on his uniform reflected a shimmer, glinting in his eyes—carefree and inattentive.
At first glance—friendly, harmless.
But just a short while ago, as the Zhouteng Empire expanded and acquired resources, in the midst of their confident progress, this person inexplicably appeared among their fleet as if no one could stop him, forcing them to make an emergency landing on a nearby planet, halting their advance.
At this moment, though alone and “surrounded,” he showed not a hint of panic, which unsettled the Zhouteng crowd, so unfamiliar with Holy Cas and unable to gauge its true strength.
“No matter,” Chao Huangmu continued smiling, “you know now. The mineral resources here are under our actual control. I’ll have to trouble you to detour.”
Since Chu Zao took the throne, diplomatic tactics for these unfamiliar places had been fairly mild. In Zao Zao’s words, you couldn’t just ignore all reason—you had to reason first, and if they didn’t understand, then give them a beating, and reason again. By then, they usually understood.
As Chu Zao’s absolute supporter, who also tended to “roll onto the bed” with that support, Chao Huangmu fully agreed.
But with resources brought up, the previously doubtful Zhouteng crowd grew anxious.
“Our empire is right around here. Not only are you occupying this place, you’re taking all its resources. That can’t be justified, can it?”
As its founding monarch, Ran Youfeng held great prestige within Zhouteng, unlike the Gesen Empire’s early reliance on confidence and cozying up to Aberrant Beasts.
These were all decent states and regions in the stars—since there might be cooperation and exchanges in the future, all of Holy Cas remained mild in response.
Just as now, Chao Huangmu came alone, with the entire First Legion’s fleet waiting at a far-off distance.
Many things could be discussed, but the resources here were vital to the Crown Clan’s home planet, and when they stationed here, this unknown civilization hadn’t even appeared, its resources still polluted, Aberrant Beasts even hiding inside—so there was no room for negotiation.
Thus Chao Huangmu gave a firm yet polite response: “Yes, as you say, we control this area. To ensure the safety of both parties and successful clearing of Aberrant Beasts, please detour.”
“Aberrant Beasts…? You mean those monsters?”
Ran Youfeng retorted. Forced to stop on this planet, sensing Chao Huangmu’s strength but still unwilling to back down, he glanced at his close ministers.
The impression was that this person seemed approachable and communicative, yet utterly unmoved—impossible to reason with. Though polite, there was no deference, and he spoke to the emperor as if they were equals, which they found unsettling.
“But we have our own ability to deal with those monsters.”
Chao Huangmu sighed lightly, little emotion in his eyes.
Just about to say more—otherwise, should he just subdue them by force?
Anyway, Zao Zao was always right.
It was just then that someone on the other side suddenly shouted—“Starships, so many starships!”
Everyone looked up, their eyes narrowing at the sight in the sky.
Hmm?
Chao Huangmu turned to look—
In the sky, Holy Cas’s mechanical behemoths appeared above the clouds, converging in a dense formation like rolling storm clouds.
“Eh…?”
Chao Huangmu paused, tilting his head, the honey-colored gemstone earring on his earlobe flashing faintly.
“I remember—”
He remembered instructing the First Legion to await orders before he left.
But very quickly, Chao Huangmu realized that this overwhelming fleet, as far as the eye could see—were not just ships from the First Legion.
He stared in surprise, until he caught sight of another Holy Cas legion insignia.
If it wasn’t just the First Legion that had arrived, that meant—
Some starships’ hatches opened, auxiliary landing systems engaging, sending Holy Cas troops rapidly down to their target locations.
And most importantly—
Chao Huangmu instinctively removed his military cap, watching as a youth leapt from a hatch, not even bothering to spread his wings, easily landing from such a height.
—Zao Zao had arrived.
His voice was clear and gentle, with a hint of laughter.
“Have the troops stationed over there. Rushing out on your own is a violation of military regulations, Commander Chao.”
Chu Zao looked up, and the Zhouteng crowd froze in shock.
Soft black hair lightly curled, once-cute features even sharper now—so strikingly beautiful that one could hardly look away. Especially those honey-colored eyes, as if illuminating the world around them.
Beneath the countless starships, Chu Zao in Holy Cas uniform exuded formidable presence.
He had no idea how long he’d gone without seeing Zao Zao, or holding Zao Zao in his arms.
Chao Huangmu let out a light breath, stepping aside a bit, his gaze already entwined with Chu Zao’s like a little hook.
He lowered his head: “Your Majesty.”
Holy Cas’s… Your Majesty?
Chu Zao was almost too beautiful. Even now, on the cusp of his prime, he seemed slender and delicate compared to other Crown Clan members, likely due to being born from the Angel Source Stone—very different indeed.
Of course, it defied the expectations for an emperor forged in these brutal wars against Aberrant Beasts.
And it was even hard to imagine such a majesty appearing here.
He seemed more suited to remain at the royal court.
Furthermore, the soldiers behind Chu Zao all stood with stern faces, closely watching their moves—disciplined and oppressive, as if the slightest slip meant their king would be bullied. On top of that, with Chao Huangmu being so tough and difficult in negotiations, Chu Zao appeared much more manageable by contrast.
He seemed to have even sent away the fleet that had been controlling the resource zone.
Chu Zao merely glanced at the fleet, walked to Chao Huangmu, and straightened his collar—a gesture natural and affectionate.
If the Zhouteng’s people had strong psionic senses, they would have noticed their psionic powers touching and fusing naturally, evidently not for the first time.
This small act sent a new signal to the Zhouteng Empire.
Ran Youfeng observed thoughtfully, glancing again at his people, before stepping forward to speak.
“Since we are all here, and this is our first meeting, there’s no need to rush.”
He was working to ease the tension.
“As for the resources, could you give us a day to assess and consider? These resources are also very important to our empire.”
Chu Zao, just as they’d hoped, was indeed easy to talk to. He glanced over and nodded, seemingly unconcerned: “All right.”
After all, the result would not change. They still needed to clear the Aberrant Beasts here—an extra day, more or less, made no difference.
For a first meeting between countries, Chu Zao was willing to give them time to adjust—to adjust to Holy Cas’s ways.
Both sides separated. There was still time.
On Zhouteng’s side, an emergency meeting was convened.
“What do you all think of this so-called Holy Cas?”
“This is a very powerful state, and quite arrogant overall. Of course, they have reason for the arrogance. If we keep giving way, they’ll look down on us, and we won’t gain any advantage later.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Even if we can’t match them right now, our specialty is winning with less against more, usurping those above with those below. There’s no need to panic, and we can’t give in over those resources.”
“So, let’s discuss what to do.”
Ran Youfeng said, casting a glance to his side—where a handsome, smiling councilor was propped on his chin, lost in thought.
“They’ve already withdrawn from there. I think we should send an advance force to approach the area. If the monsters show up, deal with them on the spot. By then, we’ll have contributed to the effort, so being completely excluded is impossible.”
“Ostensibly, most are hard to reason with, but their majesty looks very well protected, seemingly approachable—maybe that’s where we can get a concession.”
A councilor spoke again.
“And their technology is excellent. If used well, it could help us greatly, even serve as a stepping stone for our own progress.”
They discussed, having found a potential breakthrough in Chu Zao, growing even excited.
“Your Majesty,” at last, the young man beside Ran Youfeng stroked his chin and said, “I’m very interested in that ruler. Let me make contact and talk. It’ll help for tomorrow’s negotiations.”
“Approved.”
Ran Youfeng nodded.
…
Soon after, several Holy Cas starships had landed on the ground, opening up living sections, in addition to those waiting high above.
Chu Zao had traveled quickly, bringing a bit of road-weariness.
He’d been handling government work in a conference room, and when told someone wanted to meet, he didn’t hesitate. He was even interested, replying expertly, “Negotiations? Sure, let him in.”
Chu Zao typically did not receive foreign personnel alone—these diplomatic matters were handled by specialists in Holy Cas.
But now, so far from Holy Cas and faced with an unfamiliar and quite confident new empire—the first expansionist empire Holy Cas had encountered—Chu Zao was genuinely intrigued. In the gap as Chao Huangmu went to tidy himself up, Chu Zao agreed to the meeting.
But though the man entered, they never got to business—just drifted off-topic.
Within a few exchanges, Chu Zao grew bored.
And, really, that smile—far worse-looking than his Brother Mu.
Chu Zao propped his chin, his gaze clear, and asked honestly, “Does your empire not have anyone with real ability?”
Chu Zao was truly approachable—even if initially imposing, he was actually easy to get along with. Yet this was just too earnest and too blunt.
His visitor stiffened on the spot.
Almost in disbelief—in this area, he’d seldom met defeat.
Sensing something had changed, Chu Zao lost interest, waving his hand dismissively.
“All right, if you want to know anything else, talk to those in charge for Holy Cas.”
“Your Majesty of Holy Cas—”
The visitor stood up, wanting to say more.
At that moment, the back door was pushed open a crack.
A pair of gloomy, pitch-dark eyes stared at him, expressionless.
For a moment, it was like being hunted by a ferocious predator—he almost forgot how he’d even managed to walk out of there, shrinking away.
Why did Holy Cas feel even more formidable than he’d imagined?
And, the so-called “breakthrough” that was Holy Cas’s young emperor—was it really a breakthrough?
*
The door was soon shut.
Within the starship, the conference room entered anti-surveillance mode.
In the lounge beyond—
Chu Zao’s hand was grabbed and covered with gentle kisses.
It was still early—
Chu Zao muttered, glancing outside, only for his head to be pulled back by a certain dragon.
Chao Huangmu was expressionless, half-kneeling by the bedside, his body glistening with damp, wearing only his military shirt, the skin and muscle lines just visible underneath.
His belt was tightly fastened, but with his other hand, he deftly undid Chu Zao’s belt, slipping underneath.
His black hair was a little messy, eyes deep under his bangs, occasionally catching a flash of gold, his face mostly blank—a bit brooding, in fact.
Not happy?
He had been like this since just now.
And even a bit forceful.
Come on—get this clear. You’re dealing with your adorable, noble king here.
Chu Zao let him have his way, but with a wicked fingertip poked Chao Huangmu’s cheek. He drew a slow breath.
“Why are you making that face, Brother Mu? I haven’t even finished my work, and here I am messing around with you.”
With that, Chu Zao tugged Chao Huangmu’s clothes, peeking in: “What’s the lucky gem today?”
Chu Zao leaned down and kissed Chao Huangmu’s earlobe.
“Can’t be just this, right?”
Chao Huangmu abruptly raised his head, eyes growing darker.
The next moment, he braced himself and naturally pressed Chu Zao back onto the bed.
“Hmm?”
“You avoided me before heading out.”
Chao Huangmu grumbled unhappily.
“That’s only because you go too far sometimes. Besides, didn’t I come to find you now?”
Chu Zao prodded again.
Chao Huangmu pulled open Chu Zao’s shirt, kissing him once.
“I always listen to Zao Zao. Really.”
Yeah, right.
Once the lecherous dragon got going, he only made more trouble.
“I want to gouge out that guy’s eyes.”
Chu Zao was distracted, when this line hit him like a brick, leaving him blinking in confusion.
“Huh?”
“He was staring at Zao Zao—”
Chao Huangmu wasn’t smiling anymore, showing signs of going dark.
“…You mean that idiot?”
Chu Zao thought for a moment—
“Was your earlier expression, and the way you carried me to the lounge without letting go, all because of this?”
Chu Zao’s black curls quivered, as if he’d discovered a new world.
Chao Huangmu stiffened. Not wanting his expression seen, he ducked down to pull open his own shirt, keeping busy.
Chu Zao pressed his palm to Chao Huangmu’s firm chest, gasping when bitten.
Finally he couldn’t help patting Chao Huangmu’s head, seeing him glance up shyly—that lecherous dragon a little guilty.
Chu Zao kept muttering:—“I swear I came here on serious business.”
So why was he messing around with this guy?
But—
“Brother Mu, are you jealous?”
Chu Zao called out and looked down.
“I heard from Brother Peng and Brother Yun that you’re a king of jealousy.”
But Zao Zao was slow in these matters; he rarely noticed—perhaps because Chao Huangmu hid it so well, too busy scaring off others, and always obeyed Chu Zao himself.
“Really?”
Chu Zao asked curiously, his voice a little husky.
“Zao Zao—”
Chao Huangmu spoke through gritted teeth, veins standing out on his forehead.
“Can you not talk about others at a time like this?”
Chu Zao teased him again.
“Then tell me, what do you call this?”
Chu Zao flicked his ruby-studded waist chain—obviously just put on while getting ready.
Chu Zao eagerly awaited Chao Huangmu to admit to being jealous.
Then Chao Huangmu looked up, no hesitation, allowing Chu Zao to squeeze him gently, and whispered in his ear.
“This is called wanting—” he spoke two words into Chu Zao’s ear.
Chu Zao:…
“Last time was almost two months ago—”
He even repeated it, inhaling deeply: “I can’t even smell your scent anymore.”
Like a dog marking territory—are you really just a dog dragon?!
He looked up expectantly: “Can I?”
Chu Zao pinched his mouth shut.
He wanted him to admit jealousy, not to say those filthy things.
Really too crude.
What do you say to that?!