Jiang Zheyu said resignedly, "It’s alright."

’After all, even the Little Princess of the Empire had been kidnapped many times. Being taken just once was nothing to fuss about.’

In any case, Jiang Zheyu was determined to improve her Spiritual Power Level.

That way, she wouldn’t need the Empire to protect her.

She could protect herself.

"Zheyu, Commander Su, let’s head to the Imperial Palace to discuss this," Jin Yu said, his brilliant golden eyes filled with resignation. "You must already know why I’m here."

’Of course, Jiang Zheyu had already guessed what it was about.’

’It could only be about her spiritual power.’

"Alright." Jiang Zheyu did not refuse.

Su Yan’s grip on Jiang Zheyu’s hand tightened slightly. ’He really didn’t want his Yu Yu to be so special. Being special meant having a higher value, which in turn meant she would have to bear more responsibility than other females.’

’If she only possessed ordinary spiritual power and a common purification ability, could they not live like any other ordinary Female Master and Beast Husband?’

’But there were no ifs, and his Yu Yu was no ordinary female.’

「The Grand Hall of the Imperial Palace.」

It was the same familiar, resplendent hall.

"Your Majesty." Su Yan placed his right hand over his heart and bowed slightly.

"Please, sit." The Star Emperor smiled kindly. "There’s no need for formalities."

"Mm," Su Yan acknowledged, his gaze lowered.

"Zheyu, I am very happy that you have returned safely." The Star Emperor’s expression held a hint of resignation and apology. "After you went missing, we proceeded with the press conference for Researcher Yan Luo, which meant we were unable to rescue you in a timely manner. Please understand. As the Star Emperor, I must consider the perspective of all Star Citizens. The reagent for the Purification Beastification Value is of the utmost importance. I had to make a decision."

"I understand." ’What more could Jiang Zheyu say? The Star Emperor had apologized so sincerely; was she really going to keep harping on about it?’

’In the end, she still had to rely on herself.’

’Improving her own spiritual power was the most reliable path.’

"Zheyu, now that we have called you here again, you must know the reason. I hope you can tell us the truth about your abilities," the Star Emperor said slowly. "The Empire needs your help."

’Hearing this, what more could Jiang Zheyu say? The Empire needed her help. Of course, she had a duty to oblige.’

"Then I’ll tell you the truth. My Spiritual Power Level is S+++ Level, similar to a Beastman’s. It has offensive, control, and defensive capabilities. But what makes my spiritual power different from a Beastman’s is that, on top of all that, it can also perform Purification Beastification Value and heal spiritual trauma." Jiang Zheyu no longer intended to hide it. ’Besides, she was already planning to purify some Beastmen to advance her own spiritual power to an even higher level.’

’And the source for these Beastmen would naturally be the Empire.’

Although the Star Emperor had already suspected as much, he was still slightly surprised to hear Jiang Zheyu state it so plainly.

He had suspected that Jiang Zheyu’s Spiritual Power Level was high, but he had never imagined it would be S-Class.

Now, he was truly shocked.

The Empire had never seen a female with S-Class spiritual power, let alone one with Level 3S Spiritual Power—a truly Legendary Level existence.

It wasn’t just the Star Emperor who was shocked; beside him, Su Yan and Jin Yu also turned to look at her, utterly astonished.

Surrounded by their stares, Jiang Zheyu felt a little embarrassed. "Um, do you not believe me? Or is the Spiritual Power Level I mentioned too high?"

’I could have given a lower number,’ she thought.

"No, I believe you." The Star Emperor snapped out of his daze and shook his head. "An ability to heal spiritual trauma certainly warrants the designation of a female with Level 3S Spiritual Power."

Having said this, the Star Emperor finally got to the heart of the matter.

"Honored female, Zheyu, your ability to heal spiritual trauma is unparalleled in the entire Empire. Therefore, on behalf of the Empire, I formally invite you to the front lines in Zone -1 to heal the military Beastmen who have suffered spiritual trauma." The Star Emperor looked at Jiang Zheyu earnestly. "Before you agree, you may name any conditions you wish. I will do my utmost to meet any I am able to."

Su Yan wasn’t surprised to hear the Star Emperor ask Yu Yu to go to Zone -1. After all, more and more of the military Beastmen confined to the spiritual trauma ward in Zone -1 were exhibiting self-destructive tendencies. It was heartbreaking to see the very Beastmen who had once brought glory to the Empire reduced to this, and the Star Emperor could not bear to watch it happen.

Yet, the Imperial Research Institute had still failed to develop a cure for spiritual trauma.

That was why Su Yan had told Yu Yu so much about the front lines the previous night.

He knew this was inevitable.

"Has the Empire still not developed a cure for spiritual trauma?" Jiang Zheyu asked, looking up. ’In truth, she just wanted to know how the female lead’s research was progressing.’

"Not yet, but we have never stopped our research," Jin Yu replied, his golden eyes calm and serene. "Researcher Yan Luo, who developed the reagent for the Purification Beastification Value, has now started a research project on this topic as well. I believe that, with time, she will surely develop a medicine to cure spiritual trauma."

Jiang Zheyu nodded. "Very well. As you offered, I have no problem going to Zone -1, but I do have a few conditions."

"Please, state whatever conditions you have, Zheyu," Jin Yu said, looking at her.

"First, abolish the laws regarding Beast Slaves and ban their trade." After stating this condition, Jiang Zheyu looked first to the Star Emperor.

The Star Emperor nodded. "These laws do indeed need to be abolished. The recent increase in missing person reports is undoubtedly related to them."

Hearing the Star Emperor agree, Jiang Zheyu continued with her next condition. "Also, the Star Thief who kidnapped me runs an operation on an isolated island—it’s all live broadcasts of Beast Slaves. I hope the Star Emperor can dispatch a team to shut down that operation and rescue the innocent Beastmen there."

"I can go," Su Yan said, his expression darkening. "A Star Thief den we recently destroyed was connected to the one who took Yu Yu. We found a lead back then but haven’t had a chance to act on it."

’Whether for Yu Yu’s sake or to bring that Star Thief to justice, the matter could not be delayed.’

"So be it. This matter is entrusted to you, Commander Su," the Star Emperor said with a slow nod.

"I accept the mission," Su Yan replied, taking on the task.

"Honored female, Zheyu, do you have any other conditions?" the Star Emperor asked, his gaze settling on her.

"Just those two for now. I have no other requests at the moment."