That morning, the air within the camp felt heavier than usual.
A thin layer of mist hung low over the ground, as if carrying the lingering sorrow that had yet to fade from the battlefield.
The expedition forces were counted once again.
Out of nearly eleven thousand beastmen who had departed, only a little more than eight thousand remained.
The number cast a shadow over the entire camp. Even the soldiers who were usually loud and lively spoke in hushed voices, as though afraid of touching the bitter reality that had just unfolded.
The City Lord frowned deeply.
Such losses were not merely statistics—they meant thousands of families who would never again see their partners, siblings, or children return home.
In the end, the strategy was changed.
The army would no longer be divided into small squads. Instead, elite strike units were formed to eliminate mutants along the border perimeter, while other divisions were deployed to repair damaged defenses, especially in areas bordering Wulong City.
The orders were executed immediately.
Yun Wu and the others barely had time to rest. They moved without pause, clearing mutant-infested territory stretching nearly fifty kilometers. Battles erupted one after another, but this time the army's coordination was far more organized and efficient.
Meanwhile, Xue Yunxue's life in the camp remained relatively peaceful.
Bai Ling and Eyen no longer dared to provoke her openly. Although the girl occasionally threw sharp remarks her way, Xue Yunxue simply responded with a faint smile and chose to ignore them.
To her, harsh words were far easier to deal with.
Since the kidnapping incident, she had asked Moa to constantly monitor Bai Ling's movements. The small tree quietly spread its spiritual energy underground, observing from beneath the soil and roots without anyone noticing.
And Moa's report on the day she returned was completely unexpected.
Bai Ling had vented her anger on Eyen.
The white crocodile man had been beaten mercilessly inside their tent until his face was covered in bruises. For several days afterward, he did not dare step outside, hiding in embarrassment.
When Xue Yunxue heard the report, she laughed so hard her eyes nearly watered.
A small sense of satisfaction rose within her heart. Their malicious scheme had ended up turning into internal conflict instead.
For the next two days, the expedition proceeded smoothly.
Mutant attacks decreased.
Casualties declined.
But the calm did not last long.
On the following day, a massive disturbance erupted in Wulong City.
Large numbers of citizens flooded the streets, staging protests in front of the City Lord's office. They demanded accountability for the enormous losses suffered during the expedition—most of the fallen were their spouses, relatives, or loved ones.
Grief mixed with fury filled the city.
Not only that, citizens began openly criticizing the rising crime rate in Wulong City, which had grown increasingly uncontrollable with each passing day.
Public pressure escalated rapidly.
The City Lord was ultimately forced to abandon the expedition team and return to the city in haste to calm the situation.
Xue Yunxue learned of the news from several medical girls whispering near the treatment tables.
"They say the city is already in chaos…"
"Many people are starting to lose faith in the City Lord…"
"And there's a rumor… the rebel faction has already infiltrated the city."
Xue Yunxue's hands, which had been organizing medical supplies, slowly came to a stop.
Was it truth—or merely rumors spread by those seeking to worsen the current situation?
According to the information she had heard, the rebel faction was said to always cooperate with the forces of darkness.
The City Lord had barely returned to Wulong City when he was immediately met by a wave of anger from citizens who had been waiting since morning.
The central plaza was packed with beastmen.
Protest cries echoed endlessly. Tears, curses, and rage blended together into a chaotic storm. Many had lost partners, siblings, even children in the last expedition.
Bai Zhou stood atop a temporary platform, attempting to calm the crowd.
But words were no longer enough.
Something suddenly flew through the air.
Plak!
A piece of rotten meat landed right near his feet.
Another followed.
The stench quickly filled the air, causing Bai Zhou's expression to harden. The guards shifted uneasily, but the number of demonstrators was far too large to suppress by force.
The situation stood on the brink of collapse.
Bai Zhou knew clearly—
his position was already hanging by a thread.
Five days from now would be the coronation ceremony of Princess Hu Lian as the Star Princess, a grand event attended by nobles and officials from across the empire. If news of Wulong City's chaos reached the imperial capital, his reputation would be utterly destroyed.
Reluctantly, he did the one thing he hated most.
He spent money.
The notoriously stingy City Lord announced large compensation payments for the families of fallen soldiers. The city treasury was opened on an unprecedented scale to quell public anger.
The decision was like pouring water over raging flames.
Gradually, the protests began to subside.
But the price was enormous.
Due to financial shortages, the border expedition was officially terminated.
All remaining soldiers were ordered to return to the city.
-----
Several days later, Xue Yunxue and her five beast husbands returned to their residence.
The house felt far warmer than the military camp that had been filled with the scent of blood and cold metal. For the first time in days, they were finally able to eat properly and sleep in peace.
However, the tranquility did not last long.
On the very day of their return, Luo Shixin came to meet Xue Yunxue in the backyard.
"I will be leaving for the imperial capital for a few days," he said calmly. "To attend the coronation ceremony of the Star Princess."
Xue Yunxue nodded lightly.
"Of course. You're a Great General. An event that important naturally requires your presence."
Luo Shixin fell silent for a moment.
His gaze rested on her face, as though weighing something carefully.
"I want you to come with me."
Xue Yunxue blinked.
"What? Go with you?" She let out an awkward laugh. "I don't think that's necessary. I'd probably just cause you trouble."
"No," Luo Shixin replied immediately.
His tone remained calm, yet left no room for refusal.
"You must come."
He crossed his arms, his expression relaxed as if discussing something trivial.
"Do you expect me to attend alone while every other high-ranking official brings their partner? How am I supposed to explain that I've remarried? A Great General must maintain his prestige, after all."
Xue Yunxue stared at him speechlessly.
This was clearly… coercion wrapped in official reasoning.
Using his position to pressure a personal decision.
This bird-man was truly skilled at negotiation.
She let out a long sigh before finally giving in.
"Alright—alright," she said at last. "I'll go with you."
For a brief moment, the corner of Luo Shixin's lips lifted slightly.
Only for a fraction of a second.
Lu Xiao and Lin Yuan exchanged a glance. Both understood the same thought without needing words.
They wanted to confirm it themselves—the truth about the Star Princess. Whether the girl standing before them was truly the one… or if the imperial prophecy referring to Princess Hu Lian was correct.
"I'm coming too," Lin Yuan said casually, crossing his arms over his chest. His tone sounded relaxed, but his sharp eyes revealed careful calculation.
Xue Yunxue immediately frowned.
Before she could respond, Lu Xiao spoke.
"I'm coming as well."
His voice was as flat as ever, yet he stepped forward without hesitation. His crimson eyes gazed at Xue Yunxue gently, contrasting with the cold aura he usually carried.
"I go wherever Yunxue goes."
He said it as if it were an unquestionable fact.
Xue Yunxue could only blink, feeling the atmosphere suddenly turn strange.
"I'll stay here," Yun Wu's calm voice came from the corner of the room. He leaned back lazily with his eyes closed. "I don't like crowded events."
That decision, however, caused someone else to panic.
Xiang Shuai, who had been silent until now, suddenly stiffened. A sudden sense of crisis struck him.
He imagined spending several days alone in the house with Yun Wu.
His face instantly turned pale.
It wasn't loneliness that frightened him.
It was… food.
Yun Wu's cooking was a natural disaster of the highest level.
"I'll go too," Xiang Shuai declared quickly, almost without pause.
Everyone turned to look at him.
He pointed at Xue Yunxue with a serious expression.
"I go wherever my chef goes."
Pffft—
Xue Yunxue nearly spat out the water she had just been drinking.
Since when had she become this gluttonous snake's personal cook?!
Lin Yuan immediately chuckled mockingly, while Lu Xiao shot Xiang Shuai a cold glance, clearly displeased with how overly familiar that excuse sounded.
Yun Wu opened one eye and snorted softly.
"So your reason is just fear of starving?"
Xiang Shuai showed not the slightest embarrassment.
"That is a very important reason."
The room suddenly filled with a relaxed atmosphere rarely seen among them. For a moment, the tension from the expedition and countless battles seemed to fade away.
Xue Yunxue let out a long sigh, rubbing her temples.
At first, it had only been Luo Shixin's official trip to the imperial capital.
Now…
Almost the entire household was going along.
The next day, they departed aboard an anti-gravity aircraft bearing the majestic royal crest of the Shelua Kingdom engraved across its wings.
The vessel shimmered in polished silver, exuding unmistakable luxury. Of course, it belonged to the Serpent Prince. Xiang Shuai had absolutely no intention of using Luo Shixin's military transport.
To him, his royal aircraft was far safer and far more advanced than any fleet within the Yanhuo Kingdom.
Although Luo Shixin felt somewhat dissatisfied, he ultimately agreed—the aircraft was undeniably faster and more secure than his own military vessel.
The ship itself was not particularly large, yet its interior resembled a luxurious private residence. Metallic walls gleamed softly, lined with transparent energy panels emitting a faint blue glow. Automated weapon systems, layered energy shields, and a powerful anti-gravity core allowed it to glide silently through the heavens.
Inside were three bedrooms.
Xue Yunxue naturally received a comfortable private room. Xiang Shuai occupied another alone, while Luo Shixin chose to remain in the cockpit for most of the journey, monitoring the flight path with the discipline of a seasoned general.
The final room was reluctantly shared by Lu Xiao and Lin Yuan—though neither appeared remotely pleased with the arrangement.
The aircraft pierced through white clouds at tremendous speed.
Beyond the crystal windows stretched an endless blue sky, while the land below slowly shrank into faint lines far beneath them.
The coronation would take place the day after tomorrow.
And the journey to the capital required at least a full day of travel.
Inside her cabin, Xue Yunxue sat on a soft sofa, rereading the details of Luo Shixin's invitation. The invitation card was crafted from pale silver material, the royal insignia engraved upon it pulsing faintly with spiritual energy.
It was addressed to two people.
Without informing her beforehand, Luo Shixin had already registered Xue Yunxue as his official partner attending the coronation ceremony.
Her gaze halted on a single line.
The lawful partner of General Luo Shixin.
This would be the first time she appeared before imperial nobles and high officials… with an identity she could no longer hide.
Xue Yunxue frowned slightly.
A formal ceremony…
Wouldn't events like this usually require a gown?
Her thoughts immediately grew heavy. She lowered her head and looked at the clothes stored inside her spatial bag. They were simple—far too simple for a royal ceremony. Loose shirts, practical trousers suited for combat, casual skirts, and several sets of sleepwear.
Not a single outfit worthy of attending the coronation of a Star Princess.
She let out a small sigh.
It seemed… she would have to buy a new dress.
The decision felt strangely unfamiliar. Since arriving in this world, her life had been filled with battles and survival. She had nearly forgotten what it felt like to think about beautiful clothing or dressing like an ordinary woman.
Now she would attend as the partner of a Great General.
The thought made the tips of her ears grow slightly warm.
Xue Yunxue activated the thin holographic screen from her communication bracelet and logged into her bank account. Digital numbers immediately appeared in the air, glowing softly before her eyes.
All her earnings had been converted into digital chakra coins—including the seventy-five percent commission Yun Wu had given her after the rescue mission involving the kidnapped girls. Yun Wu had even secretly helped create the account under her name.
The balance made her pause.
3,000,000 chakra coins.
It was a considerable amount.
Once, she had needed to calculate every meal just to survive. Now she possessed enough wealth to buy something simply because… she wanted it.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
"Maybe… this is enough to buy a proper dress," she murmured softly.
Outside the window, clouds drifted slowly beneath the warm light of the setting sun.
The peaceful atmosphere lasted only until Xiang Shuai's voice echoed from the corridor.
"I'm hungry."
His tone was flat, yet enough to make Xue Yunxue massage her temples. This gluttonous snake truly knew no sense of timing.
With a faint frown, she walked toward the aircraft's small kitchen. Fortunately, she had prepared several dishes before departure, so she only needed to reheat them now.
Soon, the aroma of barbecue seasoning filled the room.
Xiang Shuai, Lu Xiao, and Lin Yuan were already seated calmly around the dining table.
Were these men kings or something, that she had to serve them meals?
Grilled meatballs and sausages glistened beneath a rich brown sauce, fragrant and mouthwatering. After ensuring everything was perfectly cooked, Xue Yunxue arranged a large plate and headed toward the cockpit, while the three men behind her were already devouring their food.
The cockpit door slid open slowly.
Control panel lights reflected across Luo Shixin's serious face. His gaze remained fixed on the flight route, yet he noticed her presence even before she spoke.
"Eat," Xue Yunxue said, handing him the plate.
Luo Shixin glanced at her briefly before accepting it. He bit into a meatball, then paused.
"It's delicious," he said shortly—but sincerely.
Without realizing it, the corner of Xue Yunxue's lips lifted. Somehow, that simple praise felt far more pleasing than compliments from anyone else.
"Don't you want to rest?" she asked, looking at the flight panels filled with data. "A ship this advanced must have an autopilot mode, right?"
She truly felt Luo Shixin was pushing himself too hard. Over the past few days, he hardly seemed to have slept at all.
"I'll rest later on the sofa," Luo Shixin replied calmly. "There are still things I need to handle here."
Xue Yunxue nodded, though her brows remained slightly furrowed.
"Still… take care of your health. You look exhausted lately."
Luo Shixin turned slightly. His gaze softened without him realizing it.
"You should be the one resting," he replied quietly. "We still have a long journey ahead."
After wishing him good night, Xue Yunxue turned and left. The cockpit door closed slowly behind her, leaving Luo Shixin alone once more with the gentle hum of the aircraft's engines.
But this time, the silence felt different.
He placed the empty plate beside him and carefully activated the ship's primary scanning system.
A massive holographic panel unfolded in the air.
Scanning waves spread outward, covering a hundred kilometers in every direction—even penetrating fifty meters beneath the earth's surface. The technology of the Shelua Kingdom far surpassed Yanhuo's military capabilities, and he intended to make full use of it.
Streams of data began to appear.
Terrain contours… residual energy traces… movements of living beings…
Luo Shixin stared at the screen in deep concentration.
There was something he was searching for across the vast lands below them.
Something that should—
never have existed within this kingdom.
His fingers froze midair when the sensors detected an extremely faint energy fluctuation. Almost imperceptible… it originated from an abandoned ancient structure, surrounded by heavily contaminated land.
There were almost no living creatures there.
Only mutants.