Chapter 72: The Wedding Invitation part 1
Ning Yunyi watched the scene unfold before his eyes. He loosened his grip and let the Base Commander drop to the floor. However, the moment the man’s feet touched the ground, Ning Yunyi pressed a palm onto the top of his head, forcing him down inch by inch into a kneel.
The Commander tried to struggle for his life, but he felt as though a thousand-pound weight was crushing his skull. His face shifted from a pale white to a deep, bruised purple until he finally bowed his head, surrendering completely.
As the Commander knelt there, Ning Yunyi condensed all the mental power within the man’s body into a single sphere, which he then suddenly clenched in his palm.
Originally an S-rank mental power user, the Commander had absorbed vast amounts of shifter mental power over the years, gradually pushing his own strength beyond the currently measurable 3S-rank.
The moment his mental power was stripped away, the Commander was utterly dumbfounded. His body went limp, and he collapsed to the floor, trembling uncontrollably in sheer terror. Who exactly was this man? How could he be so terrifyingly powerful?
They required complex machinery to extract mental power from shifters, yet this man had seized it all with his bare hands in an instant. If he did this to everyone currently at the Base, just how strong would his own mental power be? Forget just himāeven if the entire Base attacked at once, they likely wouldn’t be a match for this person.
In truth, Ning Yunyi wasn’t as invincible as the Commander imagined, but he could certainly handle them one by one. His spiritual energy wasn’t infinite, but it was more than enough to bluff and intimidate.
Clearly, his plan worked. The Commander’s strength was a fact witnessed by everyone at the Base; Ning Yunyi’s single-move victory had already forced their submission. Now, seeing the Base’s strongest expert transformed into a mental-powerless waste before their eyes, everyone was paralyzed with shock. They pressed their bodies even lower to the ground, terrified of being the next to be rendered useless.
Satisfied with the result, Ning Yunyi continued his performance. “Do you see his end? This is what happens to those who disobey orders. Of course, His Majesty is merciful. As long as you follow instructions, your lives will be spared. Now, organize yourselves into three lines. Each of you will report your current mental power rank, as well as the rank you held before obtaining shifter mental power. If you hide anything… his fate will be yours. Think carefully: do you want to keep your original mental power, or become a waste?”
With the Commander serving as a stark warning, no one dared to lie.
As soon as Ning Yunyi finished speaking, they immediately lined up with the mechanical precision of frightened quails.
Ichi watched this scene, slack-jawed. Good grief, was their entire trip here going to be a waste of effort? He stole a glance at the Marshal standing beside him. Realizing the Marshal was just as idle as he was, he felt a sudden wave of relief.
After all, even the Marshal… didn’t seem to be putting in much effort.
What shocked Ichi most, however, was that Mr. White appeared even stronger than the Marshal. Had he overthought things before? Given Mr. White’s sheer power, would he really even look at the Marshal? Was it truly just a case of the Marshal’s unrequited love?
As these thoughts raced through Ichi’s mind, he didn’t forget to begin the registration process. He systematically bound the prisoners with special shackles to prevent any sudden reversals.
The regular Base soldiers were registered separately, while the unranked guardsāthose who had signed indenture contracts over the years and were forbidden from leavingāstood to the other side along with the general staff.
Zong Hao, having finished issuing orders, went to look for Ning Yunyi. He found him standing near the group of indentured workers. Suddenly, Ning Yunyi asked, “Which one of you is Bevin?”
As Ning Yunyi approached, the crowd shrunk back like quails. Hearing the name, the others lowered their heads even further, wondering how this “Bevin” had offended such a big shot to be singled out.
Bevin was also terrified. Thinking he had accidentally offended this lord, despair flashed across his face, but he still tremblingly raised his hand. “Re-reporting to my lord… I-I am Bevin.”
Ning Yunyi looked up at the young man at the end of the line. He looked to be around twenty, with delicate features and an honest, clear gaze. Seeing him shivering from fear of an unknown mistake, Ning Yunyi walked over. He didn’t mention Harlo’s name directly to avoid unwanted attention. Instead, he said, “Your name sounds quite nice. I don’t have much else to say, just asking. Since you’re a guard, come with me separately. I have some questions for you.”
Bevin let out a massive breath of relief. He was scared to death, thinking his life was over before he could see Harlo one last time. He nodded obediently. “Yes, my lord.”
Ning Yunyi said nothing more, turning and striding away while Bevin followed cautiously behind.
The attitude of the crowd shifted instantly. They watched Bevin with envy. This kid had surely hit the jackpot; if such a powerful lord took an interest in him, he was likely destined for a life of luxury. “Nice name,” indeedādid the lord have a thing for this Bevin? Though a bit simple-minded, the boy was undeniably good-looking.
This was the prevailing thought among the onlookers, though none dared to speak it. They exchanged curious glances, their interest piqued.
When Ning Yunyi reached Zong Hao’s side, Zong Haoāwhose face was hidden behind a maskāwas clearly staring at Bevin. He asked simply, “Do you need me to go with you?”
Ning Yunyi glanced at him. “No need. Stay here and keep things stable. I’m just taking him for a quick chat.”
Zong Hao: “…Mm.”
Ning Yunyi thought the man was acting strange as he led the shrinking Bevin toward a small room at the end of the corridor.
Ichi appeared beside Zong Hao, rubbing his chin. “Marshal, is this Bevin some kind of hidden expert?” Why else would Mr. White single him out?
Zong Hao glared at him. “Is everyone registered? Are you sure no one escaped? What’s the status at the shifter prison area?”
The expressionless triple-fire of questions left Ichi dazed. He snapped into a salute. “Your subordinate is going right now!” He wiped a bead of sweat as he walked away. Good grief, he just asked a questionāwhy did the Marshal seem like he’d swallowed a barrel of gunpowder?
The registered crowd’s suspicions seemed to be confirmed when the lord emerged with Bevin a short while later and walked straight to Admiral Ning, who was assisting with the registration.
“I find this man quite clever and sharp,” Ning Yunyi said. “I heard he’s had some schooling. Have him stay by your side for now, Admiral Ning, and take him with us when we leave.”
Ning Brother knew his younger brother wouldn’t just hand over a random person for no reason. Clearly, this person was important or known to him. The instructions were a coded message to keep him close and protect him. He nodded. “Alright.”
The surrounding soldiers were stunned. Was this really Admiral Ning? The famously cold and unapproachable Admiral Ning? And this lordāwas he really being this blatant about placing his favorites?
All eyes swiveled to Bevin, whose face was now beaming with joy and no longer looked quite so simple. His eyes were bright, as if he’d just encountered some heavenly miracle, and his admiring gazes toward the lord only deepened the crowd’s suspicions.
They watched Bevin with profound melancholy. This kid’s luck was just too good.
In reality, Ning Yunyi was thinking: Harlo’s father provided massive help, so I’ve saved Harlo’s lover. That’s half the debt of gratitude paid. Not bad.
Bevin was thinking: Heavens, this lord is Harlo’s friend! Am I going to be reunited with Harlo soon? He even got my contract back! Harlo, wait for me, I’m coming home!
Ichi, returning to the scene, saw this and thought: It’s over. I think the Marshal is about to get angry again. I’d better go on another patrol.
As for Ning Yunyi, he had completely forgotten about Zong Hao. Having settled Bevin’s situation, he went directly to find Rui Hu.
When he arrived, Rui Hu was opening the cells one by one, searching for Rui Mother. Each empty room brought a new wave of disappointment until she eventually lacked the courage to open another. When Ning Yunyi approached, her eyes were wet, though she forced herself to stay composed. “Sir.”
Ning Yunyi walked over. “Still haven’t found her?”
thank you for the chapter!