Song Yu is a dead man.

Clearly, the base's flora had played a role. Before going to sleep that night, Sangye entered the cave again. The sycamore tree pointed proudly into the distance, remaining aloof and silent, waiting for Sangye to discover it himself.

Sangye drifted in the direction she pointed. The sycamore tree produced a small but nascent volcano, and below the volcano was a blue ocean that stretched into the distance.

The main body of the phoenix tree was stationed in the very center of the cave and could not be moved at will, but her spiritual power was omnipresent. Soon, it condensed into a small phoenix tree that floated beside Sangye: "Look how powerful I am! I spent many days sculpting it and finally sculpted the 'Hawaii' volcano you wanted; as for the 'Middle Eastern salt mine' you mentioned, let me think about it some more. I sculpted it for several days but couldn't get it right, so I smoothed it out."

Kuwano then noticed a pile of "waste soil" next to the volcano, which looked like a person who, after failing to sculpt something, angrily smashed it to pieces with a punch.

Noticing that Sangye was staring at the pile of wasteland, Wutong quickly tried to divert her attention: "Once I infuse my spiritual power and raise the volcano to a height of two or three hundred meters, it will be able to stably produce the salt you need. Do you want to raise some cattle and sheep here? I can also clear a piece of land specifically for growing grass. Rock sheep meat has a unique flavor; I wonder what it would taste like to be raised with volcanic salt."

The mulberry tree and the parasol tree can share the five senses; the flavors that the mulberry tree can taste, the parasol tree can also taste.

"Wow!" Sangye hugged the little spirit of the sycamore tree tightly. "Tongtong, you are really amazing!"

As she spoke, she pulled a drawing from her pocket, which was their exclusive trademark: "Look, this is a trademark made with your image. I will add this trademark to all the raw materials and semi-finished products I produce, and I will promote it throughout the entire universe!"

The spirit of the parasol tree approached, quite pleased with its new appearance, nodding repeatedly, its dense canopy gradually lifting.

“Melushin introduced me to someone who does purchasing business, not retail, but specifically for the military and similar places.” Sangye thought for a moment, then adjusted his wording. “It wasn’t Meluxin who introduced her; she came to me herself. But her family situation isn’t great right now. Meluxin also suggested I consider cooperating with her. She originally thought that after Ms. Shan Wanqing’s recovery, it was only a matter of time before she regained her power, and now was the best opportunity to cooperate. But she didn’t expect they had such a formidable rival…”

Sangye chattered on and on to Xiao Wutong.

Plant spirits differ from animal spirits; they rarely appear to accompany their owners like animal spirits do, and more often they work silently within the spiritual realm.

The parasol tree was tasked with building the grotto, so it rarely had the energy to share the outside world of the mulberry field.

“It’s not that I’m materialistic or that I think the Camellia family has few resources and lives on a less prosperous planet; their businesses all started small. I’m just a little worried about the risks involved. I’m confident my products will sell like hotcakes; as long as the military academy isn’t stupid, they’ll definitely buy the more effective ones,” Sangye analyzed point by point. “It’s just that if I offend that guide, I’ll be fine on Black Tower, but Camellia is still on that planet, her family is still there, and Ms. Shan Wanqing hasn’t been discharged from the hospital yet. Cutting off someone’s money is like killing their parents…”

Sangye had no doubt about the power of an S-class guide; looking at Sain and Wu Jinyue, she could imagine it too.

Even though he has been demoted now, as long as he is willing, there are definitely plenty of people who would be willing to do things for him.

The little wutong spirit listened quietly until Sangye stopped, frowning slightly as he looked at the small ocean in front of him.

"What does Camellia think?" The little phoenix spirit posed a question that Sangye hadn't considered, or rather, a crucial question she had been avoiding. "What if she's willing to take the risk?"

Sangye pursed his lips.

“She must have her own things she wants to do. If you’re worried about the danger, why don’t you explain all the possibilities to Camellia and ask her if she has the courage to do it, or if she has a better way. Even avoiding that guide and going to another planet is also an option.” The little phoenix spirit took root by the sea, stretching out its branches to shield Sangye’s head from the scorching sun.

Sangye understood, but if her cooperation put Camellia in danger, she would not be able to bear the pangs of conscience.

"You just need to express your intention to cooperate, and then see if she has the ability to solve problems. Everyone has problems to face, and you can't solve them for her."

Her spiritual body represents her inner self, and after discussing her inner thoughts, Kuwano finally made up her mind.

"Go to sleep, someone has been watching you for a while." Xiao Wutong gently nudged Sangye's back.

The next second, Sangye returned to the bedroom.

Lin Changli sat cross-legged beside her, staring at her for an unknown amount of time.

Kuwano: "...Do you know how scary you are?"

Lin Changli withdrew his gaze: "I saw you had been inside for a long time before I got up to check."

Generally, mental landscapes are used for mental entities to rest. Normally, guides and sentries will not stay in mental landscapes for long unless they are in special circumstances for mental cleansing.

But Kuwano is not a normal guide.

Sangye met his gaze, and as she looked at him, she suddenly realized why Lin Changli was acting this way.

He didn't want to be seen as a burden or a nuisance, so he kept his relationships with others distant.

But he never wanted to be left behind.

"Do you want to come in and take a look?" Sangye leaned closer, resting her hands on his chest, her breath brushing against his lips.

She was inviting Lin Changli into her mental landscape.

The image of a guide leading to a sentry is commonplace, but the image of a sentry leading to a guide is extremely rare.

The sentinel's mental power is destructive, and the mental landscape, as its most fundamental existence, is carefully protected by the guides, who do not easily allow anyone to enter.

When a guide extends such an invitation, it signifies absolute trust and a new development in the relationship between the two individuals.

The invitation was incredibly tempting to Lin Changli, and he couldn't refuse it.

The feeling of mental energy entering another person's mental landscape is very wonderful, especially when you suddenly enter a paradise-like haven from your own burning, scorched mental landscape.

The view from mid-air was already breathtaking: towering mountains and vast oceans, plateaus and salt flats, fields and ponds, crisscrossing paths and babbling brooks... everything was so orderly and full of life; even mid-air was filled with abundant spiritual energy.

The little phoenix was noisy and disruptive, so the two of them had no choice but to bring it in with them.

At this moment, it soared in mid-air, having already left the two behind, moving freely and letting the spiritual energy carrying the refreshing aura of the phoenix tree enter every part of its body with each breath, purifying its ever-burning and boiling spirit.

When Sangye and Lin Changli landed in the center of the cave, under the giant phoenix tree, the little phoenix also flew back.

We can't call it a little phoenix anymore, because it has grown to a just-right size, able to stand on the branches of the parasol tree without crushing it.

It nuzzled affectionately against the sycamore tree, stretched its wings, and let out a clear phoenix cry to express its joy.

The phoenix tree shook its branches; with its current size, it could easily support the phoenix. She did not reject the phoenix's spiritual power, and the raging fire made her feel comfortable.

Ignoring the interaction between their spiritual entities, Sangye and Lin Changli strolled along the ridges of the fields.

Lin Changli listened silently as Sangye introduced the ducks and crabs in the rice paddies, the shallow-water fish in the ponds, the chickens and geese in the fruit and vegetable fields, the cattle and sheep at the foot of the mountains, and the strange-looking marine creatures in the sea...

They were huge and not afraid of people; some of the bolder ones even came over and nibbled at the two men's trouser legs.

All of this was an unprecedented spectacle, filled with inexplicable mysteries of spiritual power.

Just like Sangye herself, she was like a miracle, appearing on Black Tower Star and by his side.

The two sat together on the beach, watching the dreamlike sunset change colors. Under the huge, brilliant setting sun, they gently kissed.

Until it finally sank below the horizon.

*

Sangye's trademark was approved quickly. She filled in the information for two production factories: one was the base processing plant, and the other was the factory owned by Jiang Siwei's family.

All she needs to provide is a complete cooperation agreement and corresponding production capacity.

After the trademark was issued, Sangye sent it to Jiang Siwei and the base processing plant. From then on, whether it was raw materials, semi-finished products, pottery, kitchenware, etc., the label would be affixed to the outer packaging.

The influence of a trademark is subtle and gradual. When it appears frequently and in large quantities, it will attract attention and arouse curiosity, thus building its reputation.

Jiang Siwei survived another monthly exam and finally became active again, frequently traveling between the base and the capital planet.

Every visit is like a forced march. First, she sees her nieces for a while, then takes a bunch of videos to show to her mother, who lives far away on the capital planet. Her mother is an ordinary person and quite old. It's not safe for her to come to Black Tower, which is full of rioting sentinels. Even Jiang Sili doesn't support her coming. She only promises to take the twins back to visit her when they are a little older. Then she gives Aso Mentsey the big red envelope and jewelry that her mother always gives her. After that, she rushes to Sangye's warehouse to move raw materials, and finally runs to the processing plant to move the kitchenware that she sells.

She was busy as a spinning top, but she also made a fortune. Sangye's dividends also increased, and the frequency of dividends increased from once a quarter to once a month.

Every time a dividend arrives in his account, Sangye's mood improves; nothing is more pleasant than the sound of star coins being deposited.

The day after Lin Changli's major breakthrough into the Sangye spiritual landscape, Jiang Siwei returned to Black Tower Star to attend the twins' full-moon celebration.

Apart from a few people who have recently become close, no more people were invited to this full moon celebration.

Moreover, it wouldn't be appropriate to call back everyone who was on duty at the various bases; it's not Aso Ment's style.

Her style is to deposit a subsidy of 10,000 star coins into everyone's account on Black Tower Star, so that everyone can share in her joy.

Nobody dislikes free money.

A few close friends and family members will have a lively meal together, while the rest of the base will prepare their own.

The full moon celebration banquet could only be entrusted to Sangye. It wasn't too difficult a task, but the portions were large, and the taste had to be guaranteed. Even though it was a full moon celebration for twins, the other people in the base couldn't be left out.

However, Aso Mente offered such a large sum that even Kuwano, who had recently been earning a considerable income, was immediately impressed and bought it the moment she saw the amount.

As for collaborating with Camellia, Kuwano has already made up her mind. She will have a good talk with Camellia before Camellia's visit to her family ends.

Before preparing for the full moon banquet, Sangye needs to find out what trouble that S-rank guide has gotten into, so that she can improvise and help Camellia a little.

They have people who experienced it firsthand here.

Melusin cannot ask, but Sangye can.

There was no need for Sangye and Lin Changli to be cautious or to find a good opportunity.

Wu Jianing gets up early and goes out to play with Du Yuan after breakfast; Meilushin doesn't get up in the morning.

Breakfast was always eaten alone by Sangye and Lin Changli.

Red bean porridge was warming in the rice cooker, and six meat buns were placed on the steamer. The buns had large skins and thin fillings, and the dark brown oil paper was lightly soaked into the steamer cloth, making them look particularly tempting.

Sangye poured two glasses of milk and orange juice, and Lin Changli brought breakfast to the table.

During the meal, Sangye told Lin Changli about her plan to cooperate with Camellia. She slowly explained the cooperation plan and considerations, and then mentioned Song Yu, an S-level guide.

Lin Changli stopped all his movements and did not look up.

“I just want to ask what he did wrong, whether it’s something we should pay special attention to, and whether there’s any danger if Camellia steals our business.” Sangye noticed his pause.

Lin Changli pursed his lips, for the first time not wanting to answer Sangye's question.

The little phoenix tree thrived in his mental landscape, with the phoenix sleeping beside her. But when Sangye's words reached the cave, he was suddenly jolted awake. The name Song Yu awakened his long-dormant anger, rage, and disgust.

Once the negative emotions intensified, a violent, flame-like spiritual force erupted once more, sweeping across the entire mental landscape, determined to burn everything in flames again.

When the mind becomes uncontrollable, it marks the beginning of a mental upheaval.

But now neither he nor Lin Changli would have a mental breakdown anymore.

The little phoenix, not even awake, sensed the phoenix's movement. It stretched out a long branch and gently flicked the phoenix, its spiritual energy overflowing as it soothed the phoenix: "Don't burn the flowers and plants I planted!"

The land where they lived was covered with wildflowers and grass, and was exceptionally peaceful.

Phoenixes usually like to lie on this and roll around.

The phoenix calmed down instantly, lying down again with a wronged expression, and fell asleep again with the comfort of the little sycamore tree.

Lin Changli knew everything that was happening in the mental landscape, and he felt completely at peace.

After facing your inner self, the past no longer seems so difficult to confront.

Looking into Sangye's gentle gaze, he finally spoke: "His ability is to implant dreams. When he was doing my mental cleansing, he tried to plant a mental suggestion in me, which caused the entire mental cleansing to fail. Moreover, I burned a corner of Marshal Wu Jinyue's mental image, and he almost lost his life."

That dream kept recurring, constantly invading Lin Changli's sleep, to the point that he eventually didn't even want to fall asleep. In the dream, there was only one voice: Kill her, and you will be His Majesty's only heir.

This "she" refers to Lin Changli's younger sister, Lin Yangchuan, who is just over a year old. Lin Shuangqiao regards her as the future heir to the empire and the royal family.

Sangye swallowed a mouthful of porridge, somewhat at a loss for words regarding the answer.

"He committed such a crime, and he was only exiled?" Sangye asked incredulously.

Lin Changli stirred the thick red bean porridge in the bowl. Du Yuan had clearly taken his taste into consideration, as she had made a small pot of it separately with added sugar.

He was used to being treated specially since childhood, but he felt somewhat at a loss when faced with such kindness.

“There is no evidence,” Lin Changli replied. “He doesn’t admit it either. No one knows what happened in the mental world except for him and me.”

Song Yu argued that this was Lin Changli's own idea, that his mental abilities were just like that, which had triggered Lin Changli's shameful thoughts. How could the guide be blamed?

Lin Shuangqiao could not sentence him to death for this, but since it involved her two children, she bypassed parliament, the court, the jury, and all legal procedures to strip Song Yu of all his military ranks, strip him of everything he had accumulated over the years, and exile him to a remote planet.

Lin Shuangqiao then ordered the other three guides and eunuchs involved in the matter to keep quiet.

With royal scandals and Lin Changli's reputation at stake, Lin Shuangqiao will not allow any accidents to happen.

Even Lin Qingdai, who was at odds with Lin Shuangqiao, has remained silent until now.

Her struggle with Lin Shuangqiao is a matter between them. Adults vying for the throne is a contest of strength and methods, and targeting a newborn child is a scandal that cannot be washed away.

The public only knows that Song Yu failed in the mission, but if he dies without being tried, it will definitely cause a huge uproar in public opinion and shake the fair laws that the public has always trusted.

Lin Shuangqiao did everything she could, even defying public opinion to disband and reorganize the entire Song Yu Legion. She had no intention of letting Song Yu go; she wanted to wait for the new generation of guides to grow up, and for this once-renowned S-class guide to gradually be forgotten. At that time, his death would be as light as a feather.

Song Yu, who was exiled, would certainly keep quiet; he dared not spread the word.

Sangye gripped the chopsticks tightly in his hand, making a cracking sound.

“My mother told me not to act rashly.” Lin Changli reached out and fiddled with the poor chopsticks. “He’s dead now, which has a huge impact on me. My mother always said that people of our status must never let their hands get dirty.”

“And,” he lowered his eyes, “the first night after that day, I woke up from a dream and found myself standing in front of my sister’s cradle, clutching the little clothes she had taken off beside it…”

*

It was a night like a nightmare, with moonlight streaming into the room from outside the window.

Lin Yangchuan placed a cradle decorated with lace and soft fabric next to Lin Shuangqiao's bed. Lin Shuangqiao was busy with official duties and was still reviewing documents and receiving close officials in her study late at night.

The maids guarding Lin Yangchuan were all A+ level sentinels. They were suppressed by Lin Changli's mental power and were even unable to move.

Lin Changli looked down, his face full of confusion and bewilderment, appearing particularly frightening in the shadows. Little Lin Yangchuan was fast asleep, his hands raised above his head, his face flushed.

Lin Changli's mind was filled with the hints from the dream:

—Kill her! Kill her! Kill her! Your mother had no choice; you will definitely be the heir!

—Hurry up and do it, no one can stop you.

—How can you be so cowardly? You're just like your useless father.

Lin Changli's hands and feet were stiff; he didn't move at all.

After a very long time, his legs gave way and he collapsed to the ground, pressed against the warm cradle frame. The exquisite gold carvings lay on his cold face like branding irons.

Tears streamed down his face.

Lying in the cradle was his younger sister, whom he had held since birth until she was a little over a year old. The first word she learned to speak was "brother." She was the future hope of their mother's empire. She was more suited to inherit the throne than he was; she was an SS-class guide whose mental power could cover the capital planet at birth, forever stable and forever powerful.

He almost ruined everything because of the suggestions in his dream. He almost destroyed everything his mother had fought for. He almost dragged everyone into the abyss.

He was born a burden and a nuisance.

He had to leave; he had to get away from his sister. He couldn't let this happen.

Lin Changli hurriedly stood up, but froze on the spot the moment he turned around—

Lin Shuangqiao stood quietly at the entrance of the bedchamber, watching for an unknown amount of time.

Her gaze was gentle and compassionate, without blame, fear, or even a trace of doubt.

She seemed to know that Lin Changli wouldn't do it.

She and Lin Changli looked alike, their similar faces gazing at each other.

Just like the similarities in their personalities.

Lin Shuangqiao was unwilling to be subordinate to any of her sisters; she wanted to compete. But until the very end, she never killed any of them. She exiled, imprisoned, and subdued them, but each of them lived well and continued to enjoy a life of luxury.

After their mother passed away, their only remaining relatives besides their children were each other.

Therefore, Lin Changli, who was raised by her and experienced everything firsthand, would not harm his own sister.

Lin Changli saw his own despicable nature in Lin Shuangqiao's open gaze. He doubted himself: Did he really not have any thoughts at all in his subconscious? Did he really not feel any resentment?

He fled in panic.

The next day, when the eunuch reported that Lin Changli had disappeared into space in his warship, Lin Shuangqiao was holding Lin Yangchuan, who refused to eat. Upon hearing Lin Changli's name, Lin Yangchuan became even more fussy, constantly shouting "Brother, brother."

Lin Shuangqiao was gentle and patient. She gently kissed her daughter's forehead and said, "It's okay. Let him be alone for a while. The universe is so big, he will definitely find himself. I will take care of him if anything happens."

Lin Shuangqiao and her youngest daughter looked towards the Imperial Garden behind the study. Lin Changli had left behind the puppy, which was cultivated from the frozen embryo he loved most as a child. The puppy was used to being separated from its owner and showed no discomfort whatsoever.

When Lin Changli went to the battlefield or felt in danger, he would leave his most precious things in the place he felt safest.

During the final battle with his elder sister, Lin Changli hid her in the core of Alpha Fortress. He lured away his elder sister's army and destroyed it along with a planet.

Lin Shuangqiao led Alpha to land on the undefended capital planet, achieving final victory and awaiting Lin Changli's return.

Finally, Lin Changli returned to the capital planet with the core of his eldest sister's fortress as spoils of war.

"Let's bring the little one over so it can keep Chuan Chuan company," Lin Shuangqiao said.

The eunuch slowly withdrew.

*

Lin Changli was suddenly pulled into a warm and fragrant embrace.

Sangye kissed his forehead, and the spiritual energy of the sycamore tree continuously poured in.

Sangye understood why he had always resisted Lin Shuangqiao, why Xi Xiaolou did not allow any surveillance, and why he kept his distance from everyone.

What he couldn't accept the most was his own despicable self, who had always been loved by them.

She said, "Lin Changli, you did nothing wrong, and you didn't cause any irreparable harm. You're not despicable; you love your mother and your sister, and you've always protected them. What's despicable are those wicked people who harbor evil intentions and try to drag others down with them. Human nature can't withstand the test; there are never any true saints!"

Sangye's voice was loud and clear, resonating in his mental landscape: "Judging by actions, not intentions, no one is perfect. Don't punish yourself and your family because of other people's mistakes."

Lin Changli closed his eyes and buried himself in her arms.

“Lin Changli, let’s work together to bring Song Yu to trial,” Sangye said, her gaze resolute. She was determined to cooperate with Shancha and hoped that the other party would share the same resolve.

In the mental landscape, the little phoenix half-opened his eyes, looking at the black mist that he had beaten half to death over the years, which was now almost invisible.

"That is..." Little Wutong was almost certain.

“Dead man,” Little Phoenix said coldly.