Chapter 85: Repair
Nan Yu carefully looked around.
The first thing he saw was a spacious central hall. On both sides stretched corridors lined with numerous doors.
Every door undoubtedly led to a private hospital room.
Nan Yu knew that much.
After all, this wasn't his first time here.
Previously, he had come here to help treat a soldier who had been on the verge of losing control. Fortunately, he had arrived in time.
Otherwise...
Nothing short of a High-Tier Mental Power User would have been enough.
As for why the Empire's High-Tier Mental Power Users were always so elusive...
It wasn't their fault.
There were simply too many people who had accumulated one or two hundred years' worth of military merit while surviving until today.
Their schedules were packed to the brim.
They barely had enough time for themselves.
So it wasn't that they were cold-hearted or unwilling to help.
There simply weren't enough of them.
Their abilities had limits.
And they were all elderly.
In fact...
Very few people actually knew the Empire's current situation.
Nan Yu himself had only learned bits and pieces through his interactions with Yu Lanfeng.
Why had the Empire set the contribution requirement for requesting a High-Tier Mental Power User so incredibly high?
Because there simply weren't enough High-Tier Mental Power Users.
And they were all extremely old.
Even the youngest among them...
Was already over three hundred years old!!
Nan Yu shook his head.
Now wasn't the time to think about that.
He refocused on his surroundings.
Although brightly illuminated like the hospital above, this underground area was completely different.
Only the absolute highest-ranking members of the Legion even knew it existed.
Anyone wishing to enter required the Marshal's personal approval.
That was the only way access would be granted.
So while the people already stationed here found Nan Yu's arrival somewhat surprising...
None of them paid him much attention.
Because they all knew that if he had been allowed inside...
It meant the Marshal himself had approved it.
They might not trust Nan Yu.
But they trusted the Marshal without the slightest reservation.
Nan Yu didn't linger or greet anyone.
Instead, he followed the person who had approached him earlier.
They walked all the way to the last room at the very end of the corridor.
After opening the door, they found someone inside adjusting the medical equipment.
The work had just been completed.
The technician merely nodded at them without saying a word before turning around and leaving.
Nan Yu looked at Lan Feng lying quietly on the hospital bed and took a deep breath.
"You should all leave."
"I'm going to begin."
"There aren't any surveillance cameras in here, are there?"
"I don't want anyone watching my treatment process."
The man answered respectfully,
"Please don't worry."
"There absolutely aren't."
"The Marshal personally prohibited anything like that."
"However, the medical equipment will continuously transmit physiological data to the central system outside."
Nan Yu nodded.
"That's fine."
"I just don't want anyone watching the treatment itself."
"Everything else doesn't matter."
"You can leave now."
"When I'm finished, I'll come out myself."
"Understood."
"I'll be going then."
"You may leave directly after you're done."
"Alright."
"Thank you."
"It's my duty."
With that, the man left, quietly closing the door behind him.
Nan Yu exhaled deeply and walked over to Lan Feng's bedside.
The Legion had thoughtfully prepared a comfortable chair beside the bed.
He sat down.
He didn't take out the Nianshen Grass from his spatial button.
Just in case.
Better safe than sorry.
Nan Yu raised both hands, positioning his palms beside Lan Feng's temples without actually touching him.
Before doing anything else, he carefully examined Lan Feng's Mental Sea again.
Everything remained exactly as it had during his previous examination.
That also meant...
After Lan Feng had been transferred here, no one had secretly examined his Mental Sea and caused additional damage.
Nan Yu found that extremely reassuring.
He hadn't even specifically reminded anyone.
Lan Feng's Mental Sea needed to be repaired.
Every damaged section had to be restored.
However...
He couldn't repair it piece by piece.
If he was going to repair it...
Then from the very beginning, every damaged area had to be treated simultaneously.
No matter how fragile each individual section was.
In short...
He first needed to cover every damaged portion with a thin membrane of mental power.
At the very least...
He had to recreate the outer barrier of the Mental Sea.
This approach differed somewhat from his original plan.
But after thinking it over, he realized...
It was the best possible method.
His previous idea of repairing it bit by bit...
Actually carried enormous risks.
Lan Feng's Mental Sea was already so badly damaged that restoring one area first could easily upset the overall balance.
And if that happened...
So, during the past few days, Nan Yu had come up with a new solution.
Since he couldn't disturb the balance...
Then he would simply preserve that balance while changing the entire Mental Sea all at once.
However...
This method came with one enormous challenge.
The very first step.
That's right.
The first step was covering every damaged area with an incredibly thin membrane of mental power.
It sounded simple.
In reality...
It was extraordinarily difficult.
It demanded astonishing precision and flexibility in mental power control.
At the same time...
It also required an enormous reserve of mental power.
Nan Yu estimated that he met both requirements.
That was the only reason he dared attempt it.
If it were anyone else...
They probably wouldn't meet even one of those standards.
He wasn't exaggerating.
Even High-Tier Mental Power Users might not be capable of it.
They might be able to project their mental power externally.
But their mental power was soft and lacked practical application.
All they could really do was remove Mental Contamination from Ability Users.
And under normal circumstances...
They relied on brute force.
Most Ability Users required a lengthy recovery afterward.
When it came to precise mental power control...
Nan Yu wasn't inferior to anyone.
Slowly...
He guided his mental power into Lan Feng's Mental Sea.
He didn't immediately begin the repair.
Instead, he gradually gathered his mental power at the very center of Lan Feng's Mental Sea.
Little by little...
It formed a sphere.
Time passed.
Nan Yu had no idea how much.
Only after expending nearly two-thirds of his mental power did he finally stop to catch his breath before continuing.
Carefully...
He expanded the sphere of mental power suspended within the center of Lan Feng's Mental Sea.
Like inflating a balloon.
The inside remained empty.
The sphere itself continued growing larger.
As the sphere expanded...
The layer of mental power forming its surface became thinner and thinner.
Fortunately...
As long as he maintained a slow, steady pace...
The sphere wouldn't collapse.
Once it had expanded to roughly the same size as Lan Feng's entire Mental Sea...
He slowly adjusted its shape.
Then, in one synchronized movement...
He took that membrane—
So thin it was like the wing of a cicada.
No...
It was probably even thinner than that.
The enormously expanded membrane of mental power gradually merged into the barrier surrounding Lan Feng's Mental Sea.
Ironically...
This step was actually the easiest.
The human body naturally possessed self-healing abilities.
When it couldn't repair itself...
It instinctively absorbed anything beneficial from the outside to aid the healing process.
The membrane Nan Yu had created...
Was exactly what Lan Feng needed to survive.
His body's subconscious would never reject it.
Instead...
It would cooperate wholeheartedly.
Once the membrane had completely fused...
The first stage of Nan Yu's plan was complete.
He carefully inspected Lan Feng's Mental Sea once again.
The outer barrier had finally been restored.
The Mental Contamination still remained inside.
But now...
He couldn't act rashly anymore.
The initial preparations were finished.
The only thing left was to wait two more days.
After all...
The newly fused membrane consisted of foreign mental power.
Lan Feng's Mental Sea needed time to adapt to it and completely assimilate it.
Only after every strand of mental power—whose connection to Nan Yu had already been severed—had been fully absorbed and made part of Lan Feng's own Mental Sea...
Could Nan Yu begin the second stage.
Today's work...
Had merely laid the foundation.
Just like building a house.
You had to lay the foundation first.
And the foundation he had built...
Was absolutely first-rate.
Nan Yu withdrew his mental power and slumped back into the chair, breathing heavily.
He was exhausted.
Nearly ninety percent of his mental power had been consumed.
He hadn't expected the cost to be this high.
Originally, he had estimated around eighty percent.
But in reality...
It had exceeded his calculations by more than ten percent.
Fortunately...
It hadn't reached one hundred percent.
Otherwise...
He didn't even want to imagine the consequences.
As a Mental Power User...
No one understood the price of exhausting one's mental power better than he did.
In his previous life...
He had overdrawn himself more than once.
All to escape Bai Zhouyun and the others' relentless attempts to hunt him down.
Looking back...
Perhaps that had also been one of the reasons he eventually chose death.
After resting for a while, Nan Yu wiped the fine beads of sweat from his face.
He stood up and walked around a few times.
Only after confirming that nothing felt wrong did he open his communicator to check the time.
The instant he saw it...
His eyes widened in disbelief.
"Huh?!"
"No way..."
When he had arrived at the hospital...
It hadn't even been five in the afternoon.
But now...
It was almost midnight.
Feeling inexplicably guilty, he also noticed that his communicator was filled with missed calls.
That couldn't be right.
He had honestly felt as though only two or three hours had passed.
How had it become so late?
No matter what had happened...
He should return everyone's calls first.
Just not here.
And it wasn't suitable to go home today, either.
After thinking it over, he decided to simply spend the night in the hospital's lounge.
After all, one of the lounges upstairs had practically become his personal resting room.
No one in the hospital had any objections.
Who could complain when his abilities were that exceptional?
Nan Yu opened the door and stepped outside before carefully closing it behind him.
When he reached the main hall, he saw the person who had escorted him here earlier.
"Don't let anyone use even the slightest bit of mental power on Lan Feng."
"Remember that."
"Not even a trace."
"His current condition is extremely delicate."
"Apart from the necessary nutrient infusions, don't touch anything else."
The man nodded immediately.
"Understood. I'll inform everyone."
Only after giving those instructions did Nan Yu leave.
Back upstairs in the lounge, he opened his communicator and looked through the list of missed calls.
One by one, he returned every call he had missed.
Nan Yun.
Nan Zhen.
Fu Yu'ang.
Yang Zhou.
And...
Yu Lanfeng.
Explaining things to the others was easy.
He simply told them he was still at the hospital.
But Yu Lanfeng...
The call connected.
Yu Lanfeng asked,
"How did it go?"
"You were inside for nearly six hours."
"Are you alright?"
Nan Yu shook his head.
"I'm fine."
"Don't worry."
Yu Lanfeng nodded.
"Good."
"As long as you're alright."
"Get some proper rest."
Nan Yu blinked while looking at him.
But he didn't say anything.
A trace of confusion flashed through Yu Lanfeng's eyes.
Then he seemed to realize something.
"I'll come see you in a couple of days."
"And..."
"Good night."
Only then did Nan Yu smile.
"No need."
"I know you're definitely not on the Capital Star right now."
"You just told me to get some rest."
"So it's only fair that I tell you the same."
"Don't rush back just because you said you wanted to see me."
"Oh..."
"And good night."
With that, he ended the call without waiting for Yu Lanfeng's response.
Meanwhile...
Yu Lanfeng was sitting in his office.
Nan Yu had guessed correctly.
He really wasn't on the Capital Star.
The previous time he had secretly returned after leaving the Capital Star—to see Nan Yu—that trip had been classified.
Very few people knew about it.
His departure afterward had also remained confidential.
In other words...
Aside from a handful of essential personnel...
No one knew that after leaving once the kidnapping incident had been resolved...
He had quietly returned again.
After taking a shower, Nan Yu lay down in bed.
The moment his head touched the pillow...
He fell asleep within seconds.
Even so, he hadn't forgotten the Nianshen Grass.
Before drifting off, he took it out and gently cradled it between both hands.
Only then did he fall asleep completely.
Even while sleeping...
His mental power never truly rested.
Its connection with the Nianshen Grass continued flowing slowly.
Extremely slowly.
But continuously.
This kind of recovery had tremendous benefits.
Nan Yu didn't need to consciously cultivate or restore his mental power.
After a night's sleep...
He naturally recovered to his peak condition.
At the same time, the purity of his mental power improved a little more.
It was incredibly convenient.
Nan Yu slept exceptionally well.
The next morning, when he arrived at school, he looked unusually lazy.
Not because he hadn't slept enough.
He had simply slept so comfortably that he didn't feel like moving.
Yang Zhou looked at him strangely.
"I seriously suspect you didn't sleep well last night."
Nan Yu smiled.
"It was fine."
"Why?"
Yang Zhou shrugged.
"Nothing major."
"I just heard..."
"The news about Bai Zhouyun keeping a side lover has gotten out."
"Everyone's secretly talking about it."
Nan Yu raised an eyebrow.
"A side lover?"
"Who?"
"Could it be..."
Yang Zhou snorted.
"Who else?"
"Isn't it the disciple you accepted before?"
"He's shameless."
"He begged you in person to accept him as your disciple."
"He claimed he wanted to stay at the academy because he wanted to learn more."
"But now it looks like he only wanted to stay so he could get close to Bai Zhouyun."
Nan Yu sighed softly.
"So..."
"It's spread already?"
Yang Zhou shook his head.
"Not exactly."
"People are mostly discussing it in private group chats with acquaintances."
"There are photos."
"And screenshots."
"And videos."
"Do you want to see them?"
Nan Yu had nothing else to do anyway.
"Sure."
"Let's have a look."
Watching gossip about Bai Zhouyun didn't sound so bad.
The photos showed exactly two people.
Bai Zhouyun.
And Yun Feiyu.
There was no mistake.
They looked very intimate.
Of course...
The angles could easily have been chosen deliberately to make Bai Zhouyun look bad.
Because of that, although people talked about the pictures...
Most didn't completely believe them.
The video, however...
Was a different story.
As soon as it started, Yun Feiyu could be seen jogging over to Bai Zhouyun.
He wrapped both hands around one of Bai Zhouyun's arms and looked up at him while acting spoiled.
Although no one could hear what he was saying...
Just looking at him made it obvious.
He was acting coquettishly.
Then Bai Zhouyun gently stroked his cheek.
His neck.
Then wrapped an arm around his waist and walked away with him.
Even at that point...
It still wasn't definitive.
Someone could still dismiss it as simple flirting.
But near the end of the video...
Bai Zhouyun's hand slipped underneath Yun Feiyu's shirt while holding his waist.
Then he leaned down...
And kissed Yun Feiyu on the cheek.
Well...
That completely settled it.
There was no denying it anymore.
Yang Zhou and Nan Yu hadn't been whispering.
Neither had deliberately lowered their voices.
Everyone nearby had noticed exactly what they were looking at.
Now...
They all wanted to know how Nan Yu would react after seeing those photos and videos.
They also wanted to know how Bai Zhouyun would react once he realized the evidence had spread.
What kind of expression would he have?
And Yun Feiyu...
He had probably already found out.
After all...
He was the easiest target.
Everyone secretly watched Nan Yu.
Yet after finishing the video...
His reaction was surprisingly mild.
Only his gaze had grown colder.
His expression slightly frostier.
He simply snorted.
"It has nothing to do with me."
Yang Zhou sighed.
"Bai Zhouyun even came looking for you before."
"He promised to change right in front of you."
"So this is how he changes?"
"He really opened my eyes."
Nan Yu replied calmly,
"Enough."
"Get your books ready."
"Class is about to start."
Yang Zhou nodded.
"Alright."
Since Nan Yu himself wasn't reacting much...
There was even less reason for Yang Zhou to react.
In fact...
He was delighted.
What did it mean if Nan Yu showed no reaction?
It meant...
He no longer had feelings for Bai Zhouyun.
No reaction was actually the best possible outcome.
The entire day passed peacefully.
Nan Yu attended every class as usual.
Nothing about him seemed unusual.
Yang Zhou gradually went from nervous...
To puzzled...
And finally relaxed completely.
School ended.
Nan Yu stood up.
"Come home with me today."
"I already asked Uncle Nan to prepare some dishes that are gentle on your stomach."
"Make sure you eat plenty."
Yang Zhou grinned.
"Sounds good."
"Let's go."
Unfortunately...
The moment they stepped out of the classroom...
They saw Bai Zhouyun standing not far away in the hallway.
Yun Feiyu stood beside him.
If the photos and videos had made them look like a loving couple...
Then Bai Zhouyun now looked more like a school bully intimidating a weaker student.
The moment they saw Nan Yu...
They walked over.
Almost everyone nearby recognized both Bai Zhouyun and Nan Yu.
As Bai Zhouyun approached...
Many students deliberately slowed their pace.
Some even slipped behind nearby corners to eavesdrop.
Meanwhile...
Bai Zhouyun looked at Nan Yu.
He realized that in this life...
Everything kept going wrong.
He had finally made a little progress before.
Yet now...
Everything had returned to square one.
He had simply been too greedy.
Before marrying Nan Yu...
He never should have gotten involved with Yun Feiyu.
Otherwise...
Scandals like this would continue spreading.
At this rate...
Nan Yu might never forgive him before graduation.
"Xiao Yu..."
"Can we go up to the rooftop and talk?"
Before Nan Yu could answer, Yang Zhou sneered.
"Talk about what?"
"What's left to say?"
"The photos and videos have already been confirmed."
"They show no signs of digital editing."
"So..."
"...Forget it."
"I don't even feel like talking anymore."
"Do you remember what you said before?"
"How did you forget so quickly?"
"I'd say every word that comes out of your mouth is basically—"
"Yang Zhou."
Nan Yu interrupted sharply.
Yang Zhou blinked.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
He had almost cursed in front of everyone.
That would have been embarrassing.
He still cared about maintaining some dignity.
"Hmph."
"Nan Yu, let's go."
"I don't want to hear another explanation."
"Every time something happens, he comes to explain."
"He's just like one of those cheating scumbags."
"He cheats once."
"Then explains once."
"Cheats again."
"Explains again."
"There's never been a shred of sincerity."
Nan Yu nodded.
"You're right."
"Let's go."
However...
Bai Zhouyun stepped forward and blocked their path.
He frowned slightly.
"Xiao Yu."
"Please."
"Let's go upstairs."
"I have something very important to tell you."
Nan Yu glanced at Yun Feiyu, who stood silently behind Bai Zhouyun like a guilty little spouse.
Could he be planning to tell him...
That Yun Feiyu was pregnant?
No.
That couldn't possibly be it.
Yang Zhou was about to speak again.
But Nan Yu stopped him.
"Fine."
"Let's go."
"I'd like to hear what kind of explanation you have this time."
The four of them walked toward the staircase leading to the rooftop.
Only after they disappeared did the hidden spectators emerge from their corners.
No one could follow them.
The rooftop was completely open.
There was nowhere to hide.
Anyone who went up would immediately be seen.
No one was shameless enough to stand nearby and openly eavesdrop.
On the rooftop...
Nan Yu and Yang Zhou stood together beside the safety railing.
Bai Zhouyun stood about three meters away.
Yun Feiyu remained quietly behind him without saying a word.
Looking at the two of them...
Nan Yu couldn't help feeling a little emotional.
Come to think of it...
He hadn't seen them in quite some time.
If they hadn't appeared today...
He felt that before long, he might have forgotten about both of them altogether.
"Enough."
"Say whatever you came here to say."
"And don't repeat the same speech every time."
"I'm tired of hearing it."
"Or are you here to explain the previous incident?"
"The photos and videos are real."
"There's no point denying that."
"So what exactly are you planning to explain?"
Nan Yu looked somewhat angry.
Yet if one looked carefully...
He didn't actually seem angry at all.
Bai Zhouyun couldn't read what he was thinking.
So he began,
"The photos and videos are real."
"That's true."
"But things aren't as disgraceful as everyone is making them out to be."
Nan Yu looked at him.
"So what?"
"You hugged each other."
"You acted intimate."
"That's true, isn't it?"
"Your hand went inside Yun Feiyu's clothes."
"That's also true."
"Are you planning to deny that too?"
The corner of Bai Zhouyun's mouth twitched.
"It's not like that..."
Nan Yu nodded.
"Fine."
"I won't interrupt anymore."
"Go ahead."
"I'll listen."
"I'd really like to hear your explanation."
Bai Zhouyun opened his mouth.
He had already prepared what he wanted to say.
But now...
Meeting Nan Yu's calm, unwavering gaze...
He suddenly felt guilty.
Because...
Everything between him and Yun Feiyu was real.
He hadn't been able to control himself.
A few days ago...
He had slept with Yun Feiyu.
That was why he had been so intimate with him recently.
What he had never expected...
Was that someone had secretly recorded all of it.