They continued following Vili, touring several of the newest mech models. They examined each one carefully, occasionally asking quiet questions about specific features or lightly brushing their fingertips across the control panels. Unable to resist, Vili tested the waters.
“Lord Gu Qing, is there a particular model that interests you more?”
Gu Qing inclined his head slightly, his tone as gentle as ever. “Each model is exquisitely crafted. I am merely a layman. I only wished to observe their design and operational structure.”
The adjutants exchanged glances. Their vigilance remained, but it eased somewhat. This seemingly ordinary mental harmonizer carried himself with calm composure. He showed no abnormal fascination with the mechs, nor any intention of attempting to pilot one—at least for now.
Gu Qing suddenly halted before a dormant mech. With a hint of hesitation and humility in his voice, he asked, “I have a question… How exactly are these mechs powered?”
Vili smiled faintly. “Their power comes from energy stones. In essence, the energy contained within the stones is converted into electricity and propulsion modules usable by the control systems. The stones themselves are not refined by our military. They are supplied by enterprises authorized by the Empire, and then processed and integrated here to match our mech operating systems.”
Gu Qing nodded lightly, still courteous and mild. “If it would not cause inconvenience… may I see the energy stones in their original form?”
Vili’s eyes lit up. Thumping his chest, he declared, “That is simple! While outsiders are not permitted into core zones, you are the great benefactor of our military department. I will apply for authorization immediately!”
At his side, Yier’s eyelid twitched. He transmitted quietly, “Commander, the energy warehouse has clearance levels. Should we—”
“I will handle it,” Vili replied with a laugh. “Yier, Feili, do not worry.”
Gu Qing took in the subtle attitudes of the two adjutants and committed them to memory.
In his sea of consciousness, the Heavenly Dao Little Dumpling muttered, “Those two guard-type adjutants… their aura is pressing me down so hard I can barely float. Could they have noticed our interest in the energy stones?”
Upon entering the energy storage facility, layers of reinforced doors opened slowly under authorization. The heavy scrape of metal tracks echoed through the vast, hollow space. Rows of energy stones glowed faintly within the storage racks, their hues like scattered starlight in the night, containing an inexplicable allure.
Yier and Feili stood on either side, their gazes sharp as blades, as though intent on engraving every one of Gu Qing’s movements into memory.
Vili, meanwhile, enthusiastically introduced the warehouse specifications, pride evident in his voice.
Gu Qing approached an energy stone sealed beneath a transparent alloy cover and casually brushed his fingertips against it.
In the next instant, a familiar fluctuation surged into his sea of consciousness like a rising tide.
—Spiritual energy.
His lashes lowered slightly. His expression remained serene and gentle as ever, attentively listening to the military female’s explanation, his demeanor refined and elegant.
Yet within his heart, ripples had already begun to spread.
“This is no ordinary energy… This is a genuine spiritual source crystal. If I can grasp its origin, it will be the foundation to restore my cultivation and reverse the very order of heaven and earth.”
Silently, he memorized every row structure and label code.
The adjutants exchanged another glance. Their vigilance spiked abruptly.
With a spiritual level of only D, he should have felt considerable discomfort in the presence of this batch of energy stones. Yet this individual showed no hesitation—he had even reached out to touch one. According to all prior records, such a reaction should only appear in individuals of B level or above.
“This type of energy stone… its coloration is quite distinctive,” Gu Qing said softly, as though voicing an idle thought. He then offered a slightly shy smile. “Forgive my abruptness. I was merely curious… what is its origin?”
Vili brightened immediately and handed over a data pad. “They originate from a newly developed asteroid belt in the Ares star system. The mining conditions are extremely harsh. They are classified as a special-grade item within the military energy system, supplied exclusively to core battlefield mechs. Both energy density and stability have reached the peak of current standards.”
“I see.” Gu Qing lowered his gaze to review the data for several seconds before lifting his eyes again. “Has the military considered whether there might be a latent connection between these stones and the spiritual sea or an individual’s mental power?”
The question was posed lightly, as if from a scholarly male insect with mild academic curiosity, his tone tinged with inquiry and hesitation.
Yet Yier and Feili exchanged a look simultaneously.
…This was not a question an ordinary male insect should be able to formulate.
It struck directly at an unpublished theoretical line of research. Even among high-ranking military technicians, only a handful could pose such a precise inquiry.
“At present, research indicates that it is merely a pure energy carrier,” Yier replied steadily, his tone cautious as always. “The military has not discovered any significant interaction with mental power.”
Gu Qing nodded calmly. “I spoke out of turn,” he said gently, sincerity in his voice. “However, if it is possible to obtain a few samples for private research, I will certainly submit a complete report to the military should I achieve any findings.”
His tone was courteous and measured, demonstrating full willingness to cooperate, while deliberately emphasizing the informal nature of the request—flawless in its execution.
Feili had just begun to raise a concern when Vili enthusiastically interrupted.
“No problem! Lord Gu Qing is our great benefactor. Leave such a small matter to me!”
Yier could no longer restrain himself. “Commander, is this not too hasty? The energy stones are the core of our military armaments—”
Feili added, “Even if loaned in goodwill, strict monitoring would be required. This batch is of extremely high grade and should not be casually removed.”
Vili fell momentarily silent, caught in difficulty.
Gu Qing spoke softly, his tone still gentle. “If it is inconvenient, that is quite all right. I am merely a layman. Being permitted to see them is already a fortunate privilege.”
As his words fell, the three felt a faint tremor in their hearts. Neither servile nor arrogant, his sense of measure was impeccable—unlike an ordinary male insect.
Within the sea of consciousness, the Heavenly Dao Little Dumpling cried out in shock: “What? Qingqing, you are giving up?! These energy stones are so precious!”
Gu Qing responded calmly, “They are guarding too tightly. Forcing the matter would only bring trouble… We must find another method.”
The Little Dumpling rolled about in frustration. “The spiritual energy is so dense, I can almost bite into it! Do not tease me like this!”
Gu Qing made no further mention of samples. Instead, he smiled at Vili.
“Since there are regulations, I will not insist. Thank you, Commander, for attempting to secure it for me.”
A trace of regret surfaced in his eyes. “It is a pity. I am quite interested in the structure and energy fluctuations of the stones. Greater understanding would greatly assist my research.”
Vili’s heart jolted. A glimmer flashed in his eyes. His pulse quickened, and a faint flush colored his cheeks.
That tone, that disappointment—it pierced his heart like an arrow.
Yesterday’s scene replayed vividly in his mind: when he had transformed and lost control, Gu Qing had entered his sea of consciousness without hesitation, risking himself to save him.
If not for him… I might have already…
Gratitude for salvation and an unconscious stirring of affection intertwined, swelling in his chest until it nearly burst. Countless thoughts churned in his mind: How could he satisfy this gentle Gu Qing who made one’s heart ache? How could he make him look his way more often? How could he place those precious energy stones into his hands?
Clenching his fists, Vili swore silently:
“Lord Gu Qing once risked himself to save me from the brink of death… No matter what, I will ensure that his wish is fulfilled.”
Within the sea of consciousness, the Heavenly Dao Little Dumpling rolled around hugging a virtual energy stone, laughing mischievously.
“Perfect! Qingqing casts a tiny bait, and Vili jumps right into the pit himself! We will enjoy those nourishing spirit stones slowly!”
Gu Qing’s expression remained gentle, his tone calm.
“It is far safer to let them deliver it of their own accord than to take it ourselves.”