Chapter 154: Awakening
Nan Yu watched everyone spring into action. Knowing there was nothing more for him to do, he slowly walked over and stood beside Yu Lanfeng.
Ever since earlier, Yu Lanfeng had remained in the corner watching him. He had to ensure Nan Yu's safety, while also personally monitoring Han Lu's condition. After all, who could guarantee that none of these doctors had problems?
Leaning against the wall together, Nan Yu and Yu Lanfeng silently watched the doctors perform emergency treatment on Han Lu. Without the constant threat of Mental Contamination, the operation became far easier.
There was no longer any need to worry that Han Lu might suddenly lose control and injure others—or himself.
Nan Yu also noticed how experienced these doctors were. Even with the Marshal standing behind them, they worked with remarkably steady hands, showing no signs of nervousness. They were clearly veteran physicians.
Combining their extensive experience with the military base's highly efficient medical equipment, Han Lu's surgery was completed in only four hours, and everything proceeded smoothly.
One of the doctors said, "He should regain consciousness after another two or three days of rest. At that point, we'll finally be able to question him. However, he'll need to remain on bed rest for at least half a month before he can walk again."
"Medication and the medical equipment both need to keep up with his treatment. Also, Dr. Nan dispersed his Mental Contamination a little too quickly earlier. Because of that, he'll probably remain mentally sluggish for a while."
"But Dr. Nan's technique is outstanding, and his control is excellent. Although there is a little damage, compared to other cases we've seen, it's practically insignificant."
They had treated countless patients before.
Roughly one out of every ten patients they received had previously undergone treatment from a Mental Power User.
Those with mild symptoms usually remained mentally exhausted for three to five months. The more serious cases could never serve in the military again and were forced into retirement to recuperate.
Those were outcomes none of them wanted to see.
The hopeless expressions on those soldiers' faces after learning they had to retire because of treatment were something they would never forget.
The gap between different Mental Power Users truly was enormous.
Nan Yu accepted their praise.
"So Han Lu is fine now? We just have to wait for him to wake up in three days before questioning him?"
The doctor nodded.
"That's right. His treatment has gone very well. Although he looked like he was on the verge of death, once the Mental Contamination was removed and his injuries were treated immediately, his condition stabilized rapidly. He's out of danger now."
Nan Yu smiled.
"That's good. Thank you all."
The doctors transferred Han Lu into the intensive care unit.
Although the treatment had gone well, Han Lu was still unconscious. Furthermore, whether he was truly a traitor could only be determined after he woke up.
Meanwhile, Lin Changyu had only just finished interrogating the suspects.
Shaking out his sore hand, Lin Changyu sat expressionlessly in his chair.
The interrogation room floor was covered with the blood of the traitors and spies who had just been captured.
He stepped across the blood without the slightest concern, as though he didn't even notice it.
Only the overwhelming stench of blood lingering throughout the room testified to the brutality that had taken place there.
"General, we've just received word from the medical department. His treatment went smoothly. Although he's still unconscious, he should wake up in about three days. Would... would you like to go see him?"
Lin Changyu's expression remained unchanged.
However, after hearing the report, the suffocating pressure surrounding him eased considerably.
"General, aren't you going?"
Lin Changyu replied calmly, "No."
"Since he's fine, I'll wait until this investigation is over."
"It wouldn't look good if I went to see him now. The Marshal is personally overseeing this matter, which clearly means he considers it extremely important."
"We should organize everything we learned during the interrogation and deliver it to the Marshal immediately."
"Yes, General!"
Their general was truly worthy of the title.
He always placed the greater good before personal feelings.
That was exactly why everyone sincerely obeyed him and respected him as the commander of the military base.
Although other military bases also had leaders like Lin Changyu, none of them had reached his level.
Yu Lanfeng quickly received the investigation report from Lin Changyu.
Nan Yu walked over as well and read through it.
The report contained nothing but the "truths" extracted during the interrogation.
Out of sixty-five people, thirty claimed Han Lu was one of them.
Another ten insisted Han Lu had nothing to do with them and had merely been used.
The remaining twenty-five admitted they had no idea whether Han Lu was involved at all.
The interrogation also revealed something unexpected.
All sixty-five people belonged to this military base.
However, not all of them were combat soldiers.
Only sixteen actually fought on the battlefield.
The rest worked in logistics, cafeterias, administrative offices, or other non-combat positions.
That explained why the intelligence they had received earlier had been so vague.
At least now they finally knew why.
Nan Yu felt there was definitely something unusual about the relationship between Lin Changyu and Han Lu.
Yet despite that, Lin Changyu had still submitted an interrogation report that was extremely unfavorable to Han Lu.
Either he handled official business without personal bias...
...or he had absolute confidence in Han Lu, along with complete trust in the Marshal.
Whichever possibility it was, both demonstrated that Lin Changyu was an exceptionally capable man.
Or perhaps...
He was equally suited to serving as a subordinate and leading others.
No wonder Yu Lanfeng had described him that way before.
It seemed Lin Changyu enjoyed tremendous popularity throughout the military base.
Someone like him could be both a blessing and a potential concern.
Over time, the people here might gradually begin looking to Lin Changyu rather than Yu Lanfeng.
But Nan Yu quickly realized he was overthinking it.
Yu Lanfeng had founded this army.
He was its guardian.
He was the strongest Ability User in the entire Empire.
If even someone like him were betrayed...
...then perhaps abandoning everyone involved wouldn't even count as a loss.
Losing people like that wasn't a loss at all.
It was simply cutting one's losses in time.
Nan Yu rubbed his chin before looking at Yu Lanfeng.
"Brother, something still feels off."
"I don't think these people actually know what happened this time."
"They were probably only responsible for transporting Han Lu somewhere."
"And judging from his injuries, they clearly never intended to let him survive."
"So from beginning to end, their real objective must have been the classified information Han Lu had previously retrieved about this military base."
"They probably already knew where those files were hidden."
"But Han Lu likely realized he'd been tricked afterward and either hid or destroyed the storage chip containing the information."
"They became furious and beat him into that state while searching for the storage chip themselves."
"They probably still haven't found it."
"Didn't they say earlier that capturing those people went extremely smoothly?"
"And they arrived over twenty minutes earlier than expected."
"That means everything went suspiciously well."
"So my guess is..."
"They only realized they couldn't find the storage chip—or whatever device contained the data—after they had already reduced Han Lu to that condition."
"So instead of leaving immediately, they searched the entire starship from top to bottom."
"That's when our people arrived and captured them all in one sweep."
"That's why they reached this place over twenty minutes ahead of schedule."
"What do you think, Brother?"
Yu Lanfeng nodded slightly.
"That's certainly one possibility."
"We'll need to investigate further."
"But if you're right..."
"...then none of those people told the truth."
Nan Yu replied, "Anyone who could remain undercover inside a legion for so many years definitely isn't ordinary."
"If they confessed everything during the very first interrogation, they'd have no backbone at all."
"A criminal organization wouldn't send people like that out as spies."
Yu Lanfeng handed the report back to Lin Changyu.
"Interrogate them a few more times."
"I've heard about your relationship with Han Lu."
"Since you trust me as your Marshal, I'll trust you as well."
"I'm giving you another three days."
"If you can uncover the truth before he wakes up, then I won't interfere with this case anymore."
"I'll leave everything that follows entirely to you."
If he failed...
Then Yu Lanfeng would personally take over.
At that point, Han Lu himself would be subjected to interrogation, and Lin Changyu would lose control of the investigation.
"Yes, Marshal!"
"I'll definitely give you a satisfactory answer!"
Yu Lanfeng waved dismissively.
"Go."
Before leaving, Lin Changyu glanced once toward the person quietly speaking beside Yu Lanfeng.
Before coming here, he had already learned that Nan Yu had removed Han Lu's Mental Contamination with incredible speed, allowing the doctors to operate normally and ultimately saving Han Lu's life.
Because of that, the way he looked at Nan Yu was completely different from the first time they met.
Back then, Nan Yu had merely been a stranger.
Now...
There was something different in his eyes.
However, Lin Changyu looked at Nan Yu only for that brief moment before turning and leaving.
Neither Nan Yu nor Yu Lanfeng noticed the small gesture.
After confirming he was gone, Nan Yu finally spoke.
"You actually believed everything I said just now?"
Even Nan Yu himself wasn't certain whether his speculation was correct.
It could be true.
Or it could be completely wrong.
If it were wrong...
Then Han Lu had indeed stolen confidential military information, intending to return with it to claim credit.
But internal conflict broke out on the way.
Outnumbered, he was overwhelmed and ultimately ended up in his current condition.
Of course, there were many other possibilities as well.
It was simply impossible to list them all.
"I just wonder whether this General can really uncover the truth in only three days."
"If he actually manages it..."
"...then he's truly remarkable."
"Brother, you've really promoted a very capable—and rather troublesome—subordinate."
Yu Lanfeng answered calmly.
"In front of me, no one is troublesome."
"The more outstanding he is, the happier I am."
After all, no matter how capable Lin Changyu became, he was still one of Yu Lanfeng's soldiers.
Although Lin Changyu's authority inside this military base was indeed exceptionally high, Yu Lanfeng could clearly feel that the soldiers still regarded him as their true leader.
When he wasn't here, they obeyed Lin Changyu.
The moment he arrived, however, every one of them immediately followed his orders instead.
That was only natural.
Still, Yu Lanfeng found it reassuring.
With Lin Changyu's abilities, if he had truly wanted to become the undisputed ruler of this military base, he absolutely could have done so.
But he never had.
That was the real reason Yu Lanfeng had decided to give him this opportunity.
After hearing the explanation, Nan Yu rolled his eyes.
"You military people really are complicated."
"But never mind."
"There are still three days left."
"Is he planning to interrogate those prisoners over and over again?"
"Or investigate the entire base from scratch?"
Yu Lanfeng replied, "Both."
Nan Yu didn't disagree.
Doing both at once certainly seemed likely.
But the workload would be enormous.
Could Lin Changyu really handle all of it?
Forget it.
Watching quietly was enough.
There was no point thinking too much about it now.
Only one day later, Nan Yu heard shocking news.
Lin Changyu had personally killed ten prisoners inside the interrogation room.
When Nan Yu first heard it, he froze.
Seriously?
He actually killed them outright...
Wait.
Was that really so strange?
Back in Border Region One, hadn't they also executed plenty of traitors?
Gradually calming down, Nan Yu realized his reaction had been a little excessive.
"If he killed ten of them, they must have revealed quite a lot."
"Some people aren't afraid of dying."
"But after watching everyone around them die horrible deaths..."
"...once they realize that same fate is about to become their own..."
"...they'll finally become afraid."
Yu Lanfeng nodded.
"You're right."
"But I promised him three days."
"So it will be three days."
"We'll wait."
Naturally, they didn't spend those three days sitting around chatting.
Every so often, Nan Yu went to check on Han Lu.
Each visit showed his condition becoming increasingly stable.
It seemed he really would wake up after about three days.
His Mental Sea had suffered slight damage, however.
Immediately after waking, his mind would inevitably remain somewhat muddled.
He would need several hours before he could accurately answer questions about what had happened.
Questioning him too soon might cause incomplete memories, confusion, or even distorted recollections.
To prevent that, Nan Yu planned to examine him once more after he regained consciousness before allowing the questioning to begin.
During those two days, Yu Lanfeng led the soldiers he had brought with him on inspections throughout the military base.
They identified numerous shortcomings that required correction.
Yu Lanfeng pointed out every problem one by one, ordering the base personnel to fix them while emphasizing that similar mistakes must never happen again.
They even reconstructed the exact escape route previously used by the traitors, allowing them to improve patrol procedures, defensive deployments, and numerous security regulations.
Although every base belonged to the same legion, different border regions meant different planets, terrain, and environments.
As a result, layouts varied greatly.
Even local customs differed.
That naturally caused every military base to develop its own unique set of problems.
Three days passed quietly.
Nan Yu now sat inside a sealed hospital room, watching Han Lu, who had finally regained consciousness.
Although awake, Han Lu still looked dazed.
His eyes remained unfocused.
Nan Yu simply sat beside him and waited.
About an hour later, Han Lu's gaze finally focused on him.
"You are..."
He clearly didn't recognize Nan Yu.
Or rather, Nan Yu seemed vaguely familiar, but he couldn't immediately remember who he was.
Nan Yu answered calmly.
"I'm Nan Yu."
"I think you've heard of me."
Han Lu blinked.
He still hadn't reacted.
But ten minutes later, realization suddenly dawned on him.
"So it's you?"
"You're that incredibly talented Mental Power User!"
"Right... it was you who saved me?"
Nan Yu nodded.
"I was the one who removed your Mental Contamination."
"Is there anything you'd like to say?"
Han Lu stared blankly.
"Why are you here?"
"Shouldn't you be on the Capital Star?"
Nan Yu replied, "You don't need to know why I'm here."
"What I want to ask is..."
"Do you understand your current situation?"
It was obvious that, having only just awakened, Han Lu hadn't fully realized where he was.
But after Nan Yu reminded him, the memories he had temporarily forgotten came flooding back.
He immediately clutched his aching head with both hands and collapsed onto the bed.
Nearly half an hour passed before he finally recovered.
"I..."
"I remember now..."
"It's my fault..."
"It's all my fault..."
Nan Yu asked, "Have you remembered everything now?"
Han Lu nodded weakly.
"Yes..."
"I'm sorry..."
"This isn't—"
Nan Yu interrupted him.
"Don't apologize to me."
"I'm only here to check the condition of your Mental Sea."
"If everything is fine, I'll let the people waiting outside come in to question you."
"I hope you'll cooperate and hide nothing."
"Because..."
He stopped after that single word.
Walking to the head of the bed, he placed both hands beside Han Lu's head.
"Don't resist my mental power."
"Understood?"
Han Lu nodded.
"I understand."
He had no choice.
He thought he understood what Nan Yu had left unsaid.
Because...
Had he not been seriously injured...
Or had someone not intervened...
He would probably be in a prison cell instead of a hospital room.
After examining him, Nan Yu confirmed that Han Lu's Mental Sea had suffered no significant damage.
His previous treatment had protected it to the greatest extent possible, preventing permanent damage to either his memories or mental condition.
Han Lu's recovery was also noticeably faster than expected.
That was excellent news.
"You're fine now."
"I'll let them know."
"They'll be coming in shortly."
Han Lu nodded with a pale face.
"I understand."
"I'll cooperate."
Nan Yu had no interest in hearing anything else.
He immediately turned and left.
Opening the door, he saw the people waiting outside.
Lin Changyu and the two officers standing behind him had apparently arrived before Nan Yu entered.
No one knew how many hours they had already been waiting.
"General Lin."
"You may go in."
"He's fine now."
"His mental condition is stable enough to undergo questioning."
"I hope you'll uncover the truth soon."
"I'm leaving."
"And your three days are already up."
"I hope you'll hurry."
"The Marshal is extremely busy."
"Once he's finished here, he'll be heading to another military base."
Nan Yu had no hidden meaning behind those words.
He simply wanted to return to Border Region One as quickly as possible.
Although Border Region Five also provided opportunities for training and cultivation, he wouldn't remain here long.
He couldn't just treat one or two patients before leaving and then disappear for who knew how long.
So he deliberately put a little pressure on Lin Changyu, hoping things would move faster.
Even if Lin Changyu thought poorly of him because of it, Nan Yu couldn't care less.
Besides...
Maybe it would also calm down the jealous man back home a little.
Over the past two days, Lin Changyu had noticeably softened his attitude toward Nan Yu, seemingly out of gratitude.
Whenever Yu Lanfeng happened to witness it, he became overwhelmingly jealous.
Fortunately, Nan Yu was still underage.
Otherwise...
Yu Lanfeng would probably have tormented him in bed.
Forget it.
Better not think about that now.
Nan Yu left.
The atmosphere inside the hospital room immediately became heavy with silence.
After standing there for another minute, the two officers behind Lin Changyu quietly turned around and left, leaving the small room entirely to the two of them.
Han Lu took a deep breath.
"Brother Lin..."
Lin Changyu walked over, sat beside the bed, and answered softly.
"Mm."
Han Lu looked at him.
"It wasn't..."
"It wasn't me."
Lin Changyu reached out, gently pried open the hand that had been tightly gripping the blanket, and enclosed it within his own.
"I know."
"It wasn't you."
"I raised you."
"I promoted you myself."
"I know better than anyone what kind of person you are."
"If you were capable of doing something like this..."
Han Lu's body trembled slightly.
"I knew..."
"I knew Brother Lin would never suspect me..."
Lin Changyu nodded.
"Enough."
"Tell me exactly what happened."
"My investigation is almost complete."
"If you can fill in the missing pieces, this investigation report will basically be finished."
"You should trust me."
"And trust the Marshal as well."
Han Lu nodded.
"I know."
"I trust all of you."
"Actually, what happened was..."
After hearing the entire story, Lin Changyu's expression turned extremely grim.
Fortunately, Han Lu's reassurance prevented him from completely losing control.
"They're certainly bold."
"They're not even afraid of provoking the Marshal."
"If the Marshal truly becomes enraged and declares all-out war against them..."
"...the only ones who'll suffer are themselves."
After all, Yu Lanfeng's legion enjoyed unparalleled prestige throughout the Empire.
If Yu Lanfeng personally declared war against an evil organization in the name of the entire legion, the entire Empire would effectively unite, with ordinary citizens helping monitor and expose the enemy.
Yu Lanfeng possessed exactly that kind of influence.
After all...
He was the Empire's strongest Ability User.
He was also its most famous and most handsome bachelor.
The dream lover of countless people.
Lin Changyu looked at Han Lu.
"That's everything?"
Han Lu nodded.
"Yes."
"That's everything I know."
"I hope it helps."
Lin Changyu answered quietly.
"It helps."
"I already understand almost everything now."
"It's just..."
Even with such a thorough investigation...
The report might still fail to convince everyone.
And regardless of the outcome...
Han Lu could never return to intelligence logistics.
People would always have doubts.
He was no longer suited to remain in Border Region Five either.
Everyone there knew about the incident.
Every time they saw him, they would inevitably feel uncomfortable.
Since that was the case...
Some kind of arrangement had to be made.
And there was only one truly suitable solution.