Starting from the Planetary Governor - Chapter 744

Chapter 740, Rejuvenation Surgery

. Qi Bodu was in his private office, copying a calligraphy work.

It was an art form from ancient Terra. After encountering it in literature, he developed a strong interest in this ancient art form and the ancient script it represented, and began studying it. This became one of his hobbies.

His advisor was reporting to him about Margaret.

“…Grand Master Margaret is leaving the Order of Psychic Power. According to our analysis, Ms. Margaret no longer has the opportunity to control the Order. The initiative now rests entirely with Gu Hang. If he wants, he’ll be the Order’s Chief Grand Master tomorrow.”

Qi Bodu’s brush kept moving as he commented, “Useless thing. If Dou Zhao had been driven out years ago, he wouldn’t be completely powerless to resist now.”

“So should we agree to her request? She hopes for a new position.”

“Well… an S+ psychic, even if he’s a fool, he’s still useful and can’t be wasted. Go to the Ministry of Justice and be a psychic consultant. We’ll see how things develop.”

“I’m afraid she won’t be satisfied.”

“Hmph, then let her figure it out herself. Let’s see who in Holy Terra would dare to help a dog I don’t want.”

“Understood.”

The two of them remained silent, with only the subtle sound of the brushes made using ancient methods rubbing against the rice paper.

Although the business was over, Qi Bodu’s advisor didn’t leave, as if he knew the Prime Minister had something else to say.

Indeed, that was the case.

Qi Bodu’s pen unconsciously paused as he listened to the report. His copying of Gutella’s calligraphy naturally paused.

“Are those… true?”

“Yes, I think we must reconsider Gu Hang’s influence.” His advisor fully understood the Prime Minister’s question and offered an answer.

This was the conclusion reached by their entire department after synthesizing the intelligence they had received.

Qi Bodu wanted to continue copying the calligraphy, but he couldn’t concentrate. He simply put his pen aside, walked away from the table, and paced back and forth in front.

He knew that Gu Hang was a top-tier psyker. The battle reports from the front, as well as the firsthand testimony of his trusted Captain Salilius, clearly demonstrated this.

However, the reports were one thing, and experiencing it firsthand was another.

When the shrill alarms blared, the palace was briefly in turmoil.

It had been so long since he had experienced anything like this, that Qi Bodu was still a little dazed.

The surging psychic energy seemed to be a deliberate display. No special psychic means were needed to observe it; even the most ordinary mortal could sense its palpitating sensation.

This ‘palpitation’ wasn’t just an adjective; it was a tangible, physical experience.

Qi Bodu himself felt something, a scent emanating from his lungs, amidst the rumbling, illusory yet real thunder. His heart began to beat abnormally faster and more erratically.

He felt deeply uncomfortable.

Later, he realized it was a normal reaction to psychic pressure, not some force attacking him. These physical effects were only temporary and short-lived.

However, the strange thing was that he shouldn’t have been able to feel it from such a distance. Furthermore, the person unleashing this power was within the empire’s finest psychic shielding field.

What did that mean?

He questioned his psychic advisor.

His advisor told him that this meant that, at that very moment, if Gu Hang had intended for someone within the palace to die, that person would already be dead, and no one could save them. Regardless of whether the palace’s anti-psychic devices would be effective, or whether the subsequent invasion could defeat the powerful psychic, the deceased person would be doomed.

Even with his S+-level psychic advisor, providing attentive, fully prepared personal protection, it wouldn’t have been possible.

Upon hearing this news, Qi Bodu’s expression remained unchanged.

His heart had long been filled with anxiety.

He had finally experienced firsthand the oppression of the might of a peak individual.

Could a peak-level powerhouse like this overthrow the empire?

No.

Could they kill the empire’s supreme ruler?

Sure.

The former was a single individual against the empire, the most powerful single entity in the universe;

the latter was a single individual against a single individual.

In a sense, Qi Bodu truly represents the Empire. His power is at the peak of his career as Prime Minister, and he still has countless ideals and ambitions to fulfill…

He is the most distinguished person in the Empire.

One-for-one?

Not with anyone. Not

with ten billion people, one trillion people, not even one hundred trillion people!

It was his idea to force Gu Hang to come to Holy Terra .

But now he regrets it a little.

He had originally prepared some extreme pressure tactics. His original intention was to test Gu Hang, to see if this “vassal” from the border was loyal to the Imperial Center.

If he was loyal, then he should accept any treatment from the Imperial Center, like a loyal dog, wagging his tail and begging for mercy.

Any dissatisfaction or resistance from him would be disloyal.

During the triumphal speech, Qi Bodu was unhappy for a moment, even having murderous intentions towards Gu Hang. But his “sensible” behavior slightly improved his impression, at least making Qi Bodu feel that he could still conduct further “tests.”

But… maybe he should reconsider this matter now.

Testing was definitely necessary.

He couldn’t trust an ambitious individual with no loyalty to the Empire to continue expanding on the border.

The lesson of Iron Armor was still fresh in his mind.

But that was just a prediction.

He felt it was unnecessary to resort to extreme pressure tactics that were meant to be difficult.

Otherwise, what if a loyal minister turned against him?

He was considering the long-term interests of the empire, not fearing that he would be forced into a one-for-one trade if he was forced into execution.

Thinking of this, he said to his administrative advisor, “Approve Gu Hang’s request for an interview. I’ll see if I have time to meet him later in my schedule.”

…

“Your Excellency, Prime Minister, it’s an honor to meet with you.”

Looking at Qi Bodu, seated on the dais, Gu Hang bowed his head respectfully, bowing his back and humbly greeting him.

His manners were perfectly executed, demonstrating his respect, yet he struck a balance, avoiding an overly fawning tone. His head was held appropriately high, his eyes occasionally sharp.

Every movement and expression was meticulously choreographed.

Qi Bodu was a proud man, deeply concerned with the attitudes of others. However, excessive flattery, when counterfeited, could make him feel like they were treating him like a fool.

This was just the right approach for him.

Qi Bodu knew that the people before him, not just Gu Hang, but everyone else, were mostly pretending.

But pretending was also a form of respect.

With a slight nod, Qi Bodu had just summoned Gu Hang to his feet when a servant beside him brought a tray and placed an item beside him.

Gu Hang’s voice rang out, “Your Excellency, Prime Minister, this is the Xinglan Gold Crystal.”

Qi Bodu’s expression shifted slightly.

He knew this item.

This crystal is born at the heart of a nebula, a raging furnace of energy and matter. The power contained within is beyond imagination. It resonates with the wielder’s mental energy. A mere trace of their spiritual power within it can be felt as a vast wellspring of power surges.

This energy can be channeled to enhance one’s own psychic talents, transforming even feeble psychic fluctuations into a surging surge. It can also be injected into a spacecraft’s power core, instantly boosting its speed. In moments of crisis, it can even unleash a powerful energy shield, defending against the dangers of the universe.

Its practical uses are considerable, yet few actually use it.

It’s too rare and too expensive to be consumable—and crucially, even if a ship were valuable enough for it to protect, it wouldn’t be able to do so.

The Star Smoke Crystal’s greatest use is as personal protection and… as jewelry.

It resembles a radiant heart surrounded by starlight, oval in shape and roughly the size of an adult’s fist. The crystal’s surface shone with hues of faint blue, purple-gold, and emerald green. Like the vibrant waters of a galaxy, these rays slowly flowed, intertwined, and transformed within the crystal, as if telling the ancient legends of the universe. Gently rotating it, the light’s speed and trajectory shifted, forming mysterious star maps, showcasing the landscapes of different corners of the universe, from the magnificent spectacle of a supernova explosion to the wondrous sight of space-time warping around a black hole.

This was a truly breathtaking spectacle.

It would be an excellent material for a personal treasure.

Of course, as Chancellor of the Empire, Qi Bodu had no shortage of similar items, and even better ones.

However, its value was enough to merit its placement on Qi Bodu’s collection cabinet.

Chancellor Qi Bodu was quite satisfied with this gift, and

his mood brightened .

He and Gu Hang engaged in a peaceful conversation for a while, sharing their experiences on Holy Terra and the story of the Alliance.

Then, amidst the casual chatter, their conversation gradually turned to the main topic,

beginning with the discussion of the Psychic Order.

“Are you going to become the next Chief Grand Master?”

When Qi Bodu asked, Gu Hang was prepared. He smiled and replied frankly, “Yes, I plan to. I can’t refuse such a kind offer.”

“Oh, if I do my best, maybe I can become a High Lord.” “

It’s a bit difficult for a Chief Grand Master to become a High Lord.”

“You are very capable, perhaps you can do it?”

As he spoke, Qi Bodu’s smile was half-smile, not kind.

Gu Hang acted as if he didn’t hear him. Instead, he said, “If it really happens, it will depend on the Prime Minister’s advice. The Order of Psychics also follows your lead. After all, even if I became the Chief, I can’t stay in Holy Terra for long.”

Gu Hang’s words made it clear that he would eventually leave Holy Terra and had no intention of staying.

Thinking more closely, was he selling the Order of Psychics to the Prime Minister?

No, it wasn’t that simple.

Because Qi Bodu didn’t need it.

If he wanted to completely control the Order of Psychics, with Margaret’s support, it would be easy. He didn’t move because he also felt the Order of Psychic Powers was useless, meaningless to him. He needed neither the Order’s high-ranking position nor their weak actual strength. On the contrary, leaving them as a wastebasket seemed a better option.

Gu Hang might mean that he wanted to build up the Order of Psychic Powers, remotely controlling it, while also making a stronger Order obediently cooperate with him?

Touching his chin, Qi Bodu found it quite interesting. By

giving up the much-disappointed role of “the supreme governing body of the Imperial Psychics,” and by allowing the Order to grow in strength, it seemed less useless.

With their help, he could accomplish many things.

After all, while he was the de facto Prime Minister, the Prime Minister’s power theoretically didn’t extend to the Inquisition. He was working towards full authority, but he was still on the road and hadn’t yet reached it. The Inquisition was sometimes skeptical.

Having a backup plan wasn’t a bad thing.

Of course, that presupposed Gu Hang could build up the Order of Psychic Powers.

And, these were just his thoughts. Was that really what Gu Hang meant by those few simple words?

Gu Hang smiled and said, “The Psychic Order will definitely be established. We have the Empire’s regular funding and the Alliance’s support. I also have some experience in the cultivation and training of psychics. Please rest assured, Prime Minister.”

“Yes.” Qi Bodu stroked his chin lightly.

Gu Hang continued, “The Alliance is also powerful enough to help the Prime Minister solve many problems. What the Psychic Order can do, the Psychic Order will do. What the Psychic Order cannot do, the Alliance will do without hesitation for the Prime Minister.”

This was a more n*ked promise.

Qi Bodu finally smiled.

He didn’t believe it completely, but he didn’t disbelieve it at all either.

This was at least a good start.

And when he wanted to talk more deeply about the Alliance, about taxes, and about how to ensure that what Gu Hang said would come true, Gu Hang mentioned another matter that completely absorbed his attention.

“By the way, Prime Minister, I saw a very difficult technique in the Psychic Order.”

“This technique is related to rejuvenation surgery.”

“With the aid of psychic energy, a sixth rejuvenation surgery can be performed after the fifth, and the results will be even better than normal rejuvenation surgery.”

“It’s just too difficult. No psychic has mastered it in the past few thousand years. I’m quite interested and am currently studying it, but it requires a lot of experiments and is quite expensive. Now I’m worried about finding a sponsor.”

(End of Chapter)