The next day, news of Gu Qing’s awakening as an S-ranked male and his coronation as the “Duke of Mo Yao” swept across the star networks like a hurricane. Civilians, nobles, even military officers—all were abuzz with discussion. Even within the military, waves of astonishment and admiration rippled through the ranks, with many remarking that no wonder Gu Qing, as the mental coordinator, could solve virtually any problem in the mental seas.
By morning, the entrance to the military headquarters was already packed, black with high-ranking officers from the Male Protection Council and a throng of reporters.
Il muttered under his breath, “What a bunch of fair-weather opportunists… none of them cared about Gu Qing before, and now? All out to pressure him.”
Vely nodded. “Yeah… but the military’s stance is clear—they’ll let the Male Protection Council ask for his consent. After all, he’s always been different from other males.”
Philip added, “The external controls are also thorough; otherwise, far more people would have shown up. Gu Qing and the general should be arriving soon.”
At that moment, Gu Qing and Milton walked hand in hand through the military gates, their composure unshaken. Reporters and council officers immediately surged forward, their voices flattering and urgent:
“Lord Gu Qing! With your esteemed status, how can you continue to remain in such a dangerous place as the military? The Male Protection Council has prepared a top-tier residence next to the palace. Please move immediately—”
Gu Qing paused, casting a calm but firm glance at the officer. “The residence is unnecessary. Wherever my mate is, that is my home.”
Turning his gaze toward the flashing cameras, his voice steady:
“As for danger… if this place counts as dangerous, then how should the warriors shedding blood for the empire on the front lines fare? I remain in the military because I wish to stand where I can fight alongside my beloved, not hiding behind high walls and watching from afar.”
He smiled slightly, a smile that seemed sacred in the morning light:
“I appreciate the Male Protection Council’s good intentions, but rather than being coddled in an ivory tower, I cherish this life. Whether duke or mental coordinator, to me it is merely a role that allows me to protect the one I love.”
A stunned silence fell over the crowd, soon replaced by a cacophony of camera shutters and awed gasps.
“No one has ever spoken of the male-female bond this way… Lord Gu Qing is truly extraordinary!”
The star networks erupted; videos and posts swept across every platform like a tidal wave. Anonymous discussions surged, nearly crashing servers:
“Thought S-ranked males would be arrogant… but he’s so devoted… Milton is so lucky!”
“‘Fighting alongside my beloved’—this is a love letter to all female warriors!”
“This isn’t just a declaration—it’s a revolution in ideals!”
Seeing this, the Male Protection Council tried to present countless lavish gifts and curated matchmaking lists. Gu Qing didn’t even glance at them, instead clasping Milton’s hand, his gaze soft and heart-stirring:
“My only partner in life is General Milton.”
He then returned to a polite, distant demeanor and announced calmly, “The interview is over. My mate and I have official duties to attend to.”
Hand in hand, they walked into the military building. Journalists and officers attempting to follow were immediately blocked by alert female soldiers, their voices firm: “Stop. The Duke has clearly stated the interview is over. Military grounds are off-limits!”
In mere minutes, Gu Qing’s words and actions struck like a bomb, shaking insect society to its core.
Countless females watching the screens began reconsidering the role of males in the colony. Gu Qing and Milton quietly became symbols of admiration and faith across the empire. Even Loes and the other females on Onia Star held their breath in front of the screens, eyes alight with excitement.
Meanwhile, within the imperial palace, the atmosphere was icy as a chasm of hell.
Adrian’s gaze was locked on the screen—countless media and networks praising the “Duke of Mo Yao.” A flood of uncontrollable jealousy surged in his chest. Mental force, wild and violent, tore through the room like a hurricane. Tables and chairs were overturned, and a finely crafted dressing mirror exploded under the psychic pressure, shards raining down, reflecting his twisted figure.
“Gu Qing… that damned bastard!” he roared, voice sharp and piercing. “Nothing but a lucky little bastard! How dare everyone worship him! And Milton… that arrogant female, daring to humiliate me publicly by choosing this loser!”
The room was in chaos. Kneeling female slaves and attendants cowered, bruised and battered. Adrian’s eyes were insane and cruel; his nails dug into his palms, blood dripping, yet he seemed oblivious, only emitting a low, chilling laugh.
“Yes… and that thing.” He muttered, a cruel calculation in his gaze. “Let’s see… if you’re ruined, will Milton still be loyal to you?”
In the military office, sunset light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a calm, golden-red glow.
Milton reviewed confidential files, his profile stern and focused. Gu Qing sat beside him, fingers brushing the holo-screen as he received an urgent message from Loes: [The Black Market is mobilizing all forces for a large-scale search for ‘Landai’.]
Milton seemed to notice Gu Qing’s change in expression, looking up at him: “I just received intel too. The Black Market is stirring.” He set the files down, gaze grave. “What’s your plan? Landai’s identity has become a hot potato.”
Gu Qing rose, moving to wrap his arms around Milton’s shoulders, placing a calming kiss on his forehead.
His voice was steady, strategic, calm: “It’s fine. Let them search. Don’t worry—I’ve already thought it through.”
Though Milton remained concerned, Gu Qing’s certainty eased the tension in his heart.
At that moment, Gu Qing’s holo-screen chimed again. This time, the sender displayed: Imperial Affairs Office.
The message was concise and formal:
“The Duke of Mo Yao is cordially invited to the imperial palace tomorrow evening for the royal banquet, celebrating your rise to S-rank and sharing the glory of the empire.”
Gu Qing’s lips curved faintly, a glint of appraisal and amusement in his eyes.
“Seems… this Grand Banquet is unavoidable,” he murmured.
Hearing this, Milton’s gaze hardened instantly, hand tightening over Gu Qing’s.
“I will protect you no matter what.”
Gu Qing’s eyes curved, teasing yet gentle: “Good, then the safety of this male is fully in your hands.”
That evening, Gu Qing, Milton, Il, and Philip boarded the hovering car together, gliding smoothly toward the imperial palace. From afar, the golden-hued palace complex rose majestically in the night, its surfaces enveloped in shifting energy shields, starlight flowing across the arched domes.
Approaching the palace, the car passed through multiple security checkpoints. Silver-mechanical guards stood in perfect formation on either side, their metallic shells glinting coldly under the lights. Electronic visors flickered red, scanning the life signs and mental waves of every visitor.
Gu Qing watched the illuminated yet trap-laden seat of power calmly through the window, lips still curved in that composed, unshakable smile.
Whether it was Adrian’s hidden schemes or the Emperor’s tests, this chessboard spanning the world had only just begun to reach its true climax.